Newly formed OMO unseats ANC in Merafong stronghold

In Merafong Municipality, a newly formed political movement called One Merafong Organisation (OMO) has emerged victorious in a recent local government election, unseating the ruling African National Congress (ANC). This surprising political shift has sparked demands for accountability from local government officials.

Buti Mthembu, Secretary General of OMO, claims that residents have endured years of poor service delivery and maladministration under ANC rule. He emphasizes that this victory is a testament to the community's trust in the newly formed party. Mthembu expresses gratitude to the people of Merafong for their support, stating, "Now the community has trusted us with this responsibility. We couldn’t have made it without them."

Mthembu goes on to criticize the ANC for neglecting the very people who voted for them. He asserts that their defeat serves as a lesson for the ANC, who he says has forgotten about the community they were elected to serve. Mthembu is confident about OMO's future, stating, "Everybody is excited. They want to see PMO growing. And from here, we can only go from strength to strength and show that true leadership and true community service- that is what we are going to provide as OMO."

The 2026 Local Government Elections will be OMO's first contest, signaling the party's ambition to challenge the ANC's long-standing dominance in the Merafong Municipality.