Makhosazane Bhengu hits the ground running after by-election victory

FOLLOWING her decisive victory in last week's Ward 4 by-election in Mooi Mpofana, newly elected ANC councillor Makhosazane Bhengu has wasted no time getting to work. 

Bhengu, who was widely seen as the frontrunner ahead of the vote, clinched the seat by defeating candidates from both the Jacob Zuma-led uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), led by Velenkosini Hlabisa.

Though celebrations followed the win, Bhengu has made it clear that her focus has now shifted to service delivery and community upliftment.

In an interview with Daily News, she expressed her gratitude to the people of Ward 4 and outlined her commitment to continuing her long-standing work as a community activist.

“First, I want to thank all the people of the ward who supported me. We have celebrated and now it is time to work to better the lives of the people of this ward. That is my main goal as we move forward,” she said.

The Ward 4 seat became vacant following the death of former ANC councillor France Malevu in February. 

Bhengu, who had already built a reputation as a grassroots activist, was determined to carry the torch forward, building on her community-oriented legacy.

For years, she has been known as a hands-on leader who has helped residents access basic services, such as water, and supported struggling families.

Now, with the added authority of public office, she hopes to launch broader initiatives aimed at improving quality of life.

“I have always worked for the people in my ward. This is my passion and I think that is why many people have confidence in me. I will use this to make our community a better place for all of us,” she said.

At the top of Bhengu’s priority list was tackling the growing issue of drug abuse among the youth. She described the drug crisis as a serious threat to the future of the community and pledged to take an active stance in combating it.

“The drugs are killing our youth. It is time we all come together in Ward 4 and end this scourge before it is too late,” she said.

With the 2026 local government elections edging closer, Bhengu’s broader political goal was  to ensure that the ANC retains Ward 4 and strengthened its position in surrounding areas.

“I want to help my party win this ward and many other wards in the country during next year's elections. Our aim as the ANC is to increase our support in the ward,” she said.

Her victory has been warmly received by the local community. Musa Mthimkhulu, a long-time resident, expressed confidence in Bhengu’s leadership.

“We know our sister Makhosazane will make us proud as the residents here. We will support her as long as she continues with the job she has been doing to help the community,” he said.

In a post-election statement, the ANC acknowledged the democratic process and pledged to serve all residents of Ward 4, regardless of political affiliation.

“The ANC deeply appreciates the tenets of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, including that our people have freedom of association. We further wish to reaffirm that, as it has always done, the ANC will continue to serve all the people of Ward 04, irrespective of who they may have supported during the campaign.”

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