ANC drops by a whopping 20% in Mpumalanga, achieves just over 50%
TWEEFONTEIN – Mpumalanga MEC of Education, Banele Majuba, used the opportunity to remind voters why they should vote for the party many believe he supported on May 29.
Shortly after casting his vote, the MEC highlighted what he called significant achievements of his department since he assumed office. He stated that the department has been instrumental in driving transformative change in the education sector, leaving a lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come.
“More children now have access to quality education, which has led to better academic outcomes, increased economic opportunities, reduced poverty, and helped create a conducive learning environment,” he said at Fundawazi Primary School in Thembisile Hani Municipality, Ward 13.
MEC Majuba also reminded those who were still going to vote of improvements in matric results. “The increase in literacy rates, the matric pass rate has improved significantly, with the percentage of learners who passed their matric exams increasing from 54.4% in 2010 to 71.4% in 2020,” he said. He added that the department has invested heavily in the construction and renovation of schools and upgrading existing facilities such as water and sanitation.
He further noted there was stability in the education sector. “I worked very well with all the stakeholders of education in Mpumalanga Province, the trade union movement, and students. We work so peacefully; Mpumalanga has the potential to be one of the best provinces in the country.”
Majuba concluded by stating he remains dedicated to building on the progress already made, ensuring that “every learner in Mpumalanga receives a quality education that prepares them for success.” The ANC only managed to secure 51.15% of the vote in Mpumalanga, a decline of over 20% from the 70.58% it achieved in 2019. The MK came second with 16.97%, while the EFF moved from the second spot in 2019 to third place with 13.87%. According to the IEC final results, the ANC gained 27 seats, the MK secured 9, the EFF took 7, and the DA gained 6. The VF Plus and ActionSA each managed to secure 1 seat. The ANC also performed below expectations in Nkangala, with only three of the six municipalities managing to achieve over 50%. Steve Tshwete Municipality was the worst performer, securing only 37.62%, followed by Emalahleni, which only managed 40.57%.
