PA snatches another Oudtshoorn ward, ANC hangs on in Dunoon

By Johnathan Paoli

The PA has secured another by-election victory in Oudtshoorn, defeating the ANC in Ward 5 (Bridgton Smartie Town) and consolidating its rise in the municipality ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

The ANC had lost a second successive ward to the PA in the Karoo town, while holding on in Dunoon with a reduced majority.

PA leader Gayton McKenzie said the victory is a reflection of grassroots support.

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“Ward 5 belongs to the people of Oudtshoorn. Congratulations to Cllr Loretta Ryneveld on a decisive victory for the Patriotic Alliance. This is what people power looks like!” McKenzie said.

The PA won the ward with about 44% of the vote, sharply up from its 2021 level of roughly 12%, while the ANC finished on about 34%. ICOSA secured about 21%, with other parties receiving negligible support.