By Johnathan Paoli
The DA has retained two strongholds in the Saldanha Bay municipality in the Western Cape after securing victories in the by-elections on Wednesday.
In Ward 5, which includes Saldanha Bay town and Jacobsbaai, Suritha du Plessis of the DA won an overwhelming 88% of the vote, up sharply from 77% in the 2021 local government elections.
The Patriotic Alliance’s Lynette Grobler came in second with 8%, followed by independent candidate Leonie Vorster on 4%, while the Truth and Solidarity Movement (TRUTH) failed to make a measurable impact.
Despite recent political shifts in the municipality, voters in Ward 5 returned a decisive mandate in favour of the DA.
But turnout dropped markedly to 37%, down from 55% in 2021.
The DA’s dominance was evident across voting districts.
In Saldanha Bay town, the party increased its support from 75% to 85%.
In the smaller seaside community of Jacobsbaai, it surged to 95%, up from 83%.
Despite trailing the DA by a wide margin, the PA increased its support from 3% to 9%, cementing its position as the second largest party in the ward.
In Ward 6, covering Langebaan, the DA’s Adriaan Groenewald also secured the election, winning 74% of the vote.
Although slightly down from 77% in 2021, the party comfortably defeated Gilbert Nortier of the Freedom Front Plus, which improved its showing to 25%, up from 19%.
The by-election in Ward 6 followed the resignation of former deputy mayor and ward councillor Charmaine Laubscher.
Turnout in Ward 6 also declined significantly, falling to 38% from 59% in 2021.
Former mayor and Ward 5 councillor André Truter had meanwhile resigned earlier in order to pursue opportunities in the private sector.
Reacting on social media platform X, the DA welcomed the results, adding that it would not take the strong mandate for granted.
“Voters have rejected chaos, rejected coalitions of convenience, and chosen a party that delivers for Saldanha Bay. The community of Ward 5 has spoken with absolute clarity,” the party posted.
On its Ward 6 victory, the party credited continued support to its focus on service delivery and governance stability.
“The Ward remains a DA Ward, to keep up excellent service delivery, and a commitment to keeping things working,” the party said.
The next round of by-elections next week will include contests in Cloetesville, Stellenbosch, and Uniondale, George.
INSIDE POLITICS
