ANC holds firm in EC by-elections, while growing PA scares in Knysna and Vanrhynsdorp

By Johnathan Paoli

The latest round of by-elections across South Africa delivered a mixed picture for the country’s political players.

The African National Congress (ANC) held steady in its Eastern Cape stronghold, while the Patriotic Alliance (PA) made significant inroads in the Western Cape, unsettling both the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the process.

On Wednesday, three wards were contested in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, Knysna on the Garden Route, and Vanrhynsdorp in the Matzikama Municipality on the West Coast.

In King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality’s Ward 6 (Southernwood, Mthatha), the ANC strengthened its position, improving slightly on its 2021 ward ballot return with 44% of the vote (up from 41%).

Independent candidate Pastor Cwengwa Dlulane, however, made a notable showing, capturing 23% and winning two of the ward’s four voting districts.

The EFF surged to 17%, almost doubling its 2021 tally of 9%, while the UDM slipped