South Africa’s recent by-elections produced surprising outcomes, with shifts in political power and varying voter participation across provinces.
Some municipalities experiencing high voter turnouts, while others recorded lower participation rates.
ANC Retains Key Seats, PA and MK Make Gains
In a press statement issued by the Electoral Commission, the African National Congress (ANC) retained its seat in the by-elections held in the Eastern Cape, while the Patriotic Alliance (PA) won a seat in Gauteng and the Democratic Alliance retained its seat in ward 99.
In KwaZulu Natal, the ANC won a seat in uPhongolo, while the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party won in KwaDukuza.
Newly Elected Councillors and By-Election Results
Eastern Cape:
Mfundo Genu (ANC) retained its seat in Ward 13, Intsika Yethu Municipality.
He won with a total of 83.08% of the vote and voter turnout stood at 42.04%.
The ANC had previously won this seat in the 2021 Local Government Elections.
Gauteng:
Beverley Marilyne Smouse of PA secured a victory in Ward 82, City of Johannesburg Municipality
She won 41.71% of the vote and the voter turnout was 27.07%. This was previously held by the DA, who previously held it in 2021.
The DA, however, successfully defended Ward 99 in Johannesburg.
Hendrik Bodenstein winning an 98.09% of the vote. The voter turnout in this ward was 24.22%.
KwaZulu-Natal:
The ANC claimed victory in Ward 12 of the uPhongolo Municipality.
Welcome Ntokozo Radebe secured 40.01% of the votes. The voter turnout was 52.79%.
The ward was previously held by the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) suggesting a a more competitive shift in the region.
Meanwhile, MK party won Ward 28 in KwaDukuza, with Vishnugopal Govender securing 62.25% of the votes.
Voter turnout was 59.50%. The ANC had previously controlled this ward, making MK’s victory a sign of its increasing foothold.
Limpopo:
ANC retained Ward 09, LIM344 Municipality with Khumbudzo Madzhini winning with 65.68% of the vote
The voter turnout was 36.68%, ANC also won this in 2021 maintaining its position in the province
By-Elections Reflect Political Shifts
The by-election results indicate ongoing competition among major political parties ahead of the upcoming national elections.
The PA’s victory in Gauteng marks a notable shift, while the MK party’s win in KwaZulu-Natal highlights its growing influence.
Voter turnout varied across the wards, with some areas experiencing lower participation rates.
What do you think these by-election results mean for the upcoming national elections?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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