The political contest for Ward 98 in Akasia is heating up, reaching a stage of monumental proportions,

Two of the popular figures contesting for Ward98 councillorship – Independent councillor candidate Thabo Moroane and ward councillor, Mickey van der Westhuizen, have engaged on a public spat, exchanging blows via community WhatsApp groups.

Moroane hit back at allegations made by Van der Westhuizen, who accused him of being economical with the truth when he was being interviewed by a local publication, where he’s referred to as “ward councillor” instead of councillor candidate, as well as “selling” dustbins.

In a self-recorded video in one community group “Ward98 Service Delivery, Restoring the Dignity of our People”, Moroane said the political temperature in the ward has risen sharply as the race for the councillorship gathers momentum.

In fact, he declared war: “The gloves are off now.”

“This is no longer just a polite political contest. It is a serious fight for the future leadership of Ward 98 and for the direction the community wants to take.”

Moroane: ‘Residents Deserve Honest Leadership’

Moroane dismissed the allegations raised by Van der Westhuizen as part of what he believes is a strategy to undermine his campaign as an independent challenger.

According to Moroane, entering the race without the backing of a major political party has made him a target.

“When you stand as an independent candidate, especially against someone who has held the position before, you must expect pushback,” he said.

“But I am not intimidated. I entered this race because residents of Ward 98 deserve honest leadership and accountability.”

He said his campaign has been driven by concerns raised by residents about service delivery issues, including infrastructure maintenance, communication with the community and responsiveness from local government structures.

“Our campaign is about restoring trust between the community and the office of the councillor. People want leadership that listens and acts on their concerns,” Moroane said.

He added that while the contest has become politically charged, his focus remains on engaging residents and presenting solutions.

“At the end of the day, it is the voters who will decide. We respect democracy, but we will also defend ourselves against accusations that we believe are unfair.”

Van der Westhuizen Defends His Record

Van der Westhuizen, who currently represents Ward 98 in the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, has also defended his position and record in office.

The councillor has maintained that the concerns he raised about Moroane were made in the interest of transparency and ensuring that residents have full information when choosing their representatives.

Van der Westhuizen has pointed to projects and interventions undertaken during his term as evidence of his commitment to serving the ward.

He has also emphasised the importance of experience and continuity in local government leadership, particularly when dealing with municipal structures and service delivery processes.

Supporters of the councillor argue that his familiarity with the municipal system puts him in a strong position to continue representing the ward effectively, while Moroane’s backers have placed their faith in him.

A Heated Race Ahead

The exchange between the two candidates signals what could become one of the most closely watched political contests in the Akasia area.

Ward 98, which includes parts of Akasia and surrounding communities in northern Pretoria, has seen growing political engagement from residents who are increasingly vocal about local governance and service delivery.

With Moroane positioning himself as an independent alternative and Van der Westhuizen defending his leadership record, the race is expected to intensify as campaigning continues.

For now, both candidates appear determined to take their message directly to the community as they seek to secure the support of voters who will ultimately decide who leads Ward 98 in the City of Tshwane council.