Madras Times - Rise Tsantsabane Leader Used Pension to Fund Victory Over ANC

Olebogeng Michael Mabilo, the founder of the Rise Tsantsabane Communities (RTC) party, stated that he was forced to use a portion of his personal pension fund to finance his organization’s campaign during the recent Northern Cape local government elections. The financial risk proved successful, as the nine-month-old party unseated the long-dominant African National Congress (ANC) in the Tsantsabane area.

Mabilo, 45, explained that the RTC began its electoral bid with no budget. Despite the lack of formal funding, the party garnered 43.8% of the votes, securing seven of the 13 available wards and establishing a majority on the municipal council. Mabilo described the outcome as a validation of community support for a new political alternative.

"We are happy; we are excited for the support shown," Mabilo said. "For me personally, I’m grateful for the support that we got from the community of Tsantsabane." He added that using his pension was a calculated risk he was willing to take, which has since paid off.

The RTC was established in February after Mabilo resigned from the Save Tsantsabane Coalition (STC), a party he had also helped form. According to Mabilo, the STC dissolved when many of its members returned to the ANC. The new party emerged from this fragmentation, relying on grassroots contributions rather than institutional wealth.

Mabilo noted that while his pension provided critical capital, many community members also pledged direct support. He cited examples of local rallies where individuals offered livestock and supporters working in other provinces, such as Gauteng, arranged for the printing of campaign T-shirts and logos.

The RTC’s victory was not an isolated event in the region. In the Victor Khanye local municipality in Mpumalanga, the Service Delivery Party won the most seats with 39.53% of the vote. In Gauteng, the One Merafong Organisation secured four seats in Merafong City, tying with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for third place.

Reflecting on the shift in voter sentiment, Mabilo attributed the RTC’s success to prolonged dissatisfaction with ANC service delivery. "Our community members suffered enough under the ANC," he said. "The people of Postmasburg were ready to give another political party a chance."

With the election concluded, Mabilo outlined the RTC’s immediate priorities, which include rebuilding the municipality and addressing revenue challenges. He noted that Postmasburg is surrounded by mines and expressed optimism about forming partnerships with these entities to stabilize municipal finances.

Mabilo also addressed governance standards, emphasizing that the party would not interfere in tender processes but would strictly oversee supply chain procedures to ensure compliance. He criticized the ANC’s practice of cadre deployment, citing instances where unqualified individuals were placed in strategic roles such as accounting.

"For any municipality to run smoothly and provide services, you need to appoint capable people irrespective of race," Mabilo said. "We are going to appoint people based on capability and qualification, irrespective of race."

Mabilo, who served as a councillor for 23 years, described his entry into politics as occurring immediately after completing his matriculation. He acknowledged that he lacks tertiary qualifications but expressed no regret about not pursuing his earlier dream of becoming an advocate.

"Even if I never wear that gown or graduate to become an advocate, I believe I am an advocate who speaks for our people — the voice of the people," he said. "So, I am not disappointed about the path I took."

The RTC leader stated that his party is not seeking positions, fame, or luxury. Instead, he emphasized that the excitement lies in the opportunity to use political power to develop and change the lives of residents in Postmasburg.

L.Chatterjee--MT