By Johnathan Paoli
The Democratic Alliance (DA) delivered a strong performance in Wednesday’s by-elections, retaining all three wards it contested in Gauteng and the Free State.
The by-elections took place in Tshwane Ward 98 (Theresa Park, Akasia), Tshwane Ward 44 (Faerie Glen), and Metsimaholo Ward 14 (Vaalpark, Sasolburg).
The results consolidate the DA’s position in urban strongholds, while the party also held off challenges from the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), African National Congress (ANC), and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
The DA surged to 73% of the vote, up dramatically from 42% in the 2021 local government elections.
It swept all eight voting districts in the ward, signalling a growing consolidation of support in the north-western suburbs of Tshwane.
While the ANC (10%), FF+ (9%), and EFF (5%), all saw marked declines compared to their 2021 performance, the DA capitalised on this fragmentation.
Independent candidate Lydia Moroane garnered 3% and the small Organic Humanity Movement polled below 1%.
The result was overshadowed by a dramatically low voter turnout of just 16%, a sharp drop from 51% in 2021.
The lowest turnout was recorded in the district where the EFF had performed best during the national elections earlier this year, further dampening their prospects.
“This result reflects a growing trust in our delivery record and clean governance. Despite the low turnout, the message is clear: voters are choosing good governance over chaos,” the DA stated.
In one of its safest wards, the DA crushed the opposition with 88% of the vote, improving significantly on its 70% share from 2021.
The FF+ came in a distant second with 10%, while the ANC dropped to just 1%.
OHM again recorded under 1%.
The voter turnout stood at 27%, down from 62% in 2021, but still significantly higher than in Ward 98.
While the DA comfortably held this ward with 60% of the vote, its margin of victory narrowed from 76% in 2021, primarily due to an impressive performance by the FF+, which grew from 14% to 29%.
The ANC increased slightly from 7% to 11%, while the Kingdom Ambassadors Movement registered less than 1%.
Notably, the FF+ secured 41% of the vote in the Sasolburg voting district, indicating potential shifts in suburban and Afrikaans-speaking constituencies.
Voter turnout here was 35%, a decline from 62% in the previous election, though higher than in both Tshwane wards.
Despite the slight dip, the DA characterised the result as a validation of its governance record.
Attention now shifts to the next round of by-elections scheduled for 16 July, where four highly competitive races are expected.
The EFF will defend a marginal seat in Polokwane’s Juju Valley (Seshego).
The DA faces a tough test in Arcadia, Bethelsdorp in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The IFP will defend a swing ward in AbaQulusi and the ANC eyes a likely gain in Ngqushwa.
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