Independent candidate credits Trompsburg residents for Ward 2 victory

An independent candidate, who emerged victorious in Ward 2 in Trompsburg under Kopanong Local Municipality in the Free State, has attributed his win in the Local Government Elections to the residents who requested him to contest the elections.

Madi Seleka was initially nominated to stand as an African National Congress ( ANC) candidate but was defeated by another candidate.

Seleka says he registered a dispute as he believed votes were rigged in that process but was not successful.

As he was giving up the contestation, the community requested him to contest as an independent. Seleka says serving the community is his mandate.

“You know to elect a councillor, the ANC have those processes where we nominate a candidate to stand as a ward councillor? I was part of those people who were nominated to stand as a ward councillor. But the unfortunate part, in that process, I was defeated. And then I had a chance to say, no, I withdraw to be a candidate, but the community in general, came to me and said no, we have hope in you, Mr Seleka, please stand as a ward councillor, we are behind you, we will make sure that you win this ward.”

VIDEO | 99% of votes have been counted and the Electoral Commission is expected to make an official announcement this eveving: