While various leaders of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo have been openly predicting further defections by members of other parties who are planning to join their ranks, opposition parties have indicated that they do not expect to make large gains.

With the forthcoming floor crossing "window period" approaching, Democratic Alliance (DA) Provincial Chairperson Timothy Maanda said this week that his party would welcome public representatives who found themselves stranded, due to disintegrating structures, and were in search of a new political home. "But only those who wish to join on principle need apply," he said, reaffirming a statement made by DA national leader Tony Leon.

"The DA will not offer any financial or other incentive to cross the floor, as we support the right of public representatives to change parties on the basis of conscience," he insisted.

"We believe that, in the hands of the ANC, floor-crossing is a cynical exercise which has become a form of cheque book politics, and amounts to bribery at the taxpayers’ expense," he claimed.

Whereas the ANC used floor-crossing as a way to expand its power, the DA would make use of it as a way to make sure that ordinary people had a say in government, Maanda said.