Despite many voters speaking poorly of the ANC in Tlokwe
The ANC's provincial secretary in the North West, Supra Mahumapelo, visited one of the two voting stations in Tlokwe and extended invitations to ANC members and the media to the "victory party" – before the victory. The celebrations were at the centre of every interview he conducted; jovially declaring the day of elections is a mere formality.
The by-elections are a one-day affair that is scheduled to end in the evening, and the results will be announced around midnight. The ANC party was scheduled to start at 6pm.
"This is not our first election; we know where we are strong and where we are weak. In Tlokwe we are very strong, so why wait for the results," he questioned.
He added that this might be viewed as arrogance, but as the ANC they feel it is almost impossible for the people of Tlokwe to vote for the DA, against the ANC.
The victory party is expected to be attended by actors from popular local soapie Generations, South African musicians as well as DJs. These unnamed actors have been visible in Tlokwe as part of the ANC’s campaign leading up to the by-elections. The ANC leadership has promised that they will be "igniting firecrackers in the late evening".
Luthuli House
From the early morning, "Luthuli House", a township mansion utilised as a base by the ANC in Ikageng was abuzz with activity – mainly catering. Situated in the middle of the dusty streets, the mansion is a stark contrast to the poverty and matchbox houses that make up the neighbourhood.
Eight other wards in the North West are currently voting and the ANC is confident that all nine will vote for the ANC. There is already a planned media briefing to introduce the new councillors on Thursday, an indication of their confidence.
“In the unlikely event that we lose, the celebrations will continue as planned. We have a lot of hard working people who have been champions and they deserve to be rewarded. Besides, we are democrats, we will have to accept failure and address our members to do the same thing. A celebration will still be in order,” said Mahumapelo.