By-elections: DA strengthens grip in eThekwini as ANC consolidates in Sekhukhune

By Johnathan Paoli

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and African National Congress (ANC) both emerged from Wednesday’s by-elections with significant victories, each consolidating their bases in KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo respectively, while new challengers struggled to make inroads.

In eThekwini’s Ward 56, covering Montclair and Yellowwood Park, the DA secured a resounding hold with 63% of the vote, an improvement from its 56% showing in 2021.

The party’s margin was notable not only for its growth but also because it reclaimed all three Montclair voting districts that had swung to the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in the 2024 general elections.

MK, contesting its first by-election in the ward, finished a distant second on 22%, while the ANC collapsed to just 10%, down from 24%.

Smaller players fared poorly, with Rise Mzansi on 3%, the EFF slipping from 6% to 1%, and local parties falling below 1%.

Turnout, however, fell sharply to 24%,