ANC wins three wards in by-elections, DA strengthens grip in Stellenbosch

By Thebe Mabanga

The ANC secured victories in three wards during crucial by-elections held in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Northern Cape, while the DA tightened its hold on Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.

The MK Party, EFF and the IFP won no seats but all polled higher than the DA, which benefited from the location and concentration of voters in a stronghold area of Stellenbosch.

In Ward 24 in Gauteng, encompassing Freedom Park, Power Park and the Motswaledi informal settlement, Siyakudumisa “Budget” Makaula of the ANC secured victory with 54.76% of the vote.

The win ensured the ANC maintained its seat, previously won with 55.7% during the 2021 Local Government Elections, despite a voter turnout of 27.37%.

In KwaZulu-Natal, where the ANC has experienced a series of significant losses to the MK Party, the party managed to retain its seat in Ward 4 of the Mpofana Local Municipality. Located in