By Johnathan Paoli
The ANC and DA scored crucial victories in this week’s by-elections, signaling shifting political dynamics across three provinces.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu congratulated councillors Thembinkosi Klaas in Emalahleni, and Mahlatse Mathipa in Fetakgomo Tubatse, urging them to lead “with humility, dignity, respect and honesty.”
She described the results as a strong prelude to the party’s upcoming Special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting on Local Government, where service delivery interventions will be sharpened in line with its renewal mandate,”
“The people of South Africa have made their choice crustal clear that they place their faith and trust in the ANC. These results starkly contradict the narratives of decline pushed by naysayers and hostile forces, including their opinion polls. The outcomes are indisputable and firm that the ANC stands stable, united and effective in delivering results,” said Bhengu.
The ANC reaffirmed its dominance in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, celebrating victories in Ward 4 of Emalahleni (Chris Hani Region) and Ward 34 of Fetakgomo Tubatse (Sekhukhune Region).
Meanwhile, the DA reclaimed a key ward in the Northern Cape, significantly boosting its support.
In Emalahleni’s Cacadu area, the ANC surged to 92% of the vote, up from 85% in 2021.
The Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) managed 8%, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which secured 8% in 2021, did not contest.
Voter turnout, however, dipped to 36% from 45%.
The by-election followed the assassination of the previous councillor, casting a somber backdrop over the contest.
Nonetheless, the ANC’s overwhelming victory underscored its entrenched support in the region.
Party supporters likened the performance to the soaring notes of world-renowned soprano and Emalahleni native, Pumeza Matshikiza.
In Sekhukhune’s Bogalatladi Atok, the ANC retained Ward 34 with 79% of the vote, slightly up from 76% in 2021.
The EFF slipped from 19% to 15%, while smaller parties, including the Democratic Organisation of the People (DOP), the South African Communist Party (SACP), and the Bolsheviks, collected the remainder.
Voter participation rose to 50% from 46%, signaling robust engagement in one of Limpopo’s most populous municipalities.
In the Northern Cape, the DA reclaimed Ward 4 in Siyancuma (Douglas) from an independent councillor, securing 56% of the vote compared to 34% in 2021.
The ANC finished second at 33% (up from 16%), while the Patriotic Alliance (PA) captured 6% and the EFF 5%.
The independent candidate who had previously held the seat did not contest.
Voter turnout was 61%, slightly down from 63% in 2021.
The victory marks a significant milestone for the DA in Pixley Ka Seme District, situated at the confluence of the Vaal and Orange Rivers.
DA Northern Cape leader Harold McGluwa hailed the result as proof that “citizens appreciate the DA’s outstanding track record where we govern” and its “dedication towards service, care and accountability” in opposition.
Newly elected councillor Lemfvia van Niekerk, who previously served the ward as a PR councillor, was credited with hands-on community activism.
Her efforts included campaigns for streetlights, toilets, better roads, regulated waste disposal, and access to clean water.
“Whether in times of fire distress or hunger, Lemfvia never backed down from getting involved,” McGluwa said.
He further accused rival parties of abusing state machinery during campaigns but praised voters for rejecting such tactics.
The by-elections highlight both the ANC’s continued dominance in its rural heartlands and the DA’s ability to reclaim ground in historically competitive municipalities.
While the ANC demonstrated stability in areas where its liberation legacy remains deeply rooted, the DA’s gains in Douglas point to opportunities in areas where service delivery dissatisfaction runs high.
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