MAHIKENG, North West — As the North West local government elections approach on November 4, a wave of new political parties and civic movements is intensifying their campaigns. These emerging groups are shifting the political focus toward critical service delivery failures, youth unemployment, and the demand for equitable mining benefits in the mineral-rich province.
The Bophuthatswana Civil Movement (BCM), drawing inspiration from the legacy of former Bophuthatswana leader Lucas Mangope, is contesting in nine municipalities across the Bojanala and Ngaka Modiri Molema districts. The party’s leader emphasized a mission to restore the province’s former glory, arguing that post-1994 administrations inherited strong infrastructure but failed to maintain it. Highlighting the decay in Mahikeng, which he dubbed the “capital city of potholes,” the BCM leader linked high crime rates to a lack of basic municipal services and urged residents to vote for change.
Meanwhile, the African Spear Movement (ASM), led by former Ngaka Modiri Molema District speaker and ex-ANC member Tebogo Ramashilabele, is fielding candidates in over 10 municipalities. Ramashilabele is campaigning alongside the United Africans Transformation (UAT), a party participating in local elections for the first time. Both groups are heavily focused on ensuring that the wealth generated from the province’s platinum, gold, and diamond mines directly benefits local communities.
Ramashilabele pointed out that political interference in mining social labour plans has historically prevented residents from enjoying the sector’s benefits. Echoing this sentiment, a UAT representative questioned why communities see no tangible returns from the region’s vast mineral wealth, asking where the actual benefits of these resources are going.
Beyond mining, UAT is prioritizing agriculture and land allocation to resolve housing and food security challenges. A spokesperson for the party argued that communities need access to land not only for building homes but also for subsistence farming and community gardens. They stressed that returning land to the people is essential for local development and self-sufficiency.
Both Ramashilabele and UAT representatives outlined comprehensive plans to tackle job creation—specifically for the youth—and resolve critical water shortages in the municipalities. They have called on voters to trust their newly appointed and nominated councillors to bring functional, accountable governance and meaningful change to the North West.
