Thabazimbi by-elections: Political parties allege mining companies stifled their campaigns

JOHANNESBURG - Political parties contesting the by-election in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, have alleged that some mining companies prevented them from campaigning for mineworkers.
 
Thabazimbi is home to thousands of mineworkers who live in gated compounds owned and operated by mining companies.

ALSO READ: Thabazimbi by-elections: Some voters frustrated over municipality’s ongoing political instability

The parties claim some companies denied them access to the compounds, allowing only specific parties to campaign there.

At a media briefing on Wednesday, Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) Provincial Commissioner Nkaro Mateta said the issue has been resolved.

"Several parties complained that for campaign purposes, they were not allowed access to the mines. So fortunately the chairperson of the portfolio committee of home affairs was in town and we presented this matter to him.

"The chairperson of Home Affairs escalated this matter to the Minerals Department because those are the people who work directly with the mines."