The DA won 16 wards across five provinces during by-elections on 11 September 2024. (Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)
- The DA won 16 wards in by-elections across five provinces.
- The ANC won four wards in two provinces and the IFP retained a single ward in former president Jacob Zuma’s stomping yard, in Nkandla.
- MK Party organiser Floyd Shivambu led the party’s campaign in the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, where the party snatched one ward from its arch-nemesis, the ANC.
The DA dominated the by-elections on Wednesday, garnering 32 592 votes or 55.96% of the support in five provinces and ultimately winning 16 out of the 17 wards it contested.
There were 195 548 registered voters in 23 wards in 14 municipalities, according to Independent Electoral Commission of SA data.
The DA was triumphant in wards in the North West (5), Free State (5), Limpopo (1), and eThekwini (5).
The ANC won four wards: two apiece in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
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However, the ANC lost Ward 14 to the MK Party’s (MKP) Thamsanqa Madlala in the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, where organiser  Floyd Shivambu has been leading a campaign since last week.
Madlala defected from the ANC earlier this year.
This brings to three the number of wards the MKP holds after it won its first ward, also in the South Cost in June, and in Mpumalanga in early September.
The IFP strengthened its grip on its traditional base in Nkandla, which is home to MKP president Jacob Zuma.
Al Jama-ah retained a ward in Gauteng.
DA leader John Steenhuisen heaped praise on his party for the electoral performance.
He said:Â
These results not only reflect the DA’s growth but also highlight the unwavering trust that South Africans are placing in our ability to deliver clean, accountable governance.
He said the victories in eThekwini’s wards 33, 35, and 36, KwaDukuza’s Ward 6, and Umdoni’s Ward 15 attest to the party’s “exceptional growth” in KwaZulu-Natal.Â
“In the North West, residents made it clear that they are fed up with ANC-led bad governance and have put their trust in the DA,” Steenhuisen said.
?? The DA emerged victorious in 16 wards in the by-elections held yesterday across the country.
These results not only reflect the DA’s growth but also highlight the unwavering trust that South Africans are placing in our ability to deliver: https://t.co/zlMK0IFSo8
In…
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) September 12, 2024
“The Free State was another area of great success, where the DA retained control of Wards 18, 20, 22, and 25 in Mangaung, as well as Ward 35 in Matjhabeng. The DA continues to build on the momentum from the 2024 general elections.
“These victories are a clear signal that the DA is the party of choice for those who seek competent, transparent governance. As we move towards the 2026 local government elections, the DA remains steadfast in its commitment to bringing effective, service-driven governance to every corner of South Africa.”
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ANC provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo said the party’s two wins were in the Ray Nkonyeni and Mpofana municipalities.
“We note the hard work of ANC structures in eThekwini and Musa Dladla regions, respectively,” Mtolo said.
“The unity of leadership and commitment to renew and strengthen the ANC is encouraging. We salute ANC volunteers for continuously displaying a deeper understanding that elections are not deadly contests but are part of democracy.
He added:Â
Our volunteers are not only ensuring the entrenchment of the ANC in society but are defending the gains we have made over the years as the ANC.
IFP provincial deputy chairperson Ntandoyenkosi Shabalala acknowledged the victory in Nkandla, where the party garnered 1 057 votes compared to the MKP’s 779 votes and the ANC’s 132.
Shabalala said the IFP was proud of retaining the ward despite competition from the MKP and the fact that the former ANC president hails from Nkandla.
“This victory is not only a testament to the trust the people have in the IFP’s leadership, but also a clear message that Nkandla residents believe in the IFP’s ability to deliver meaningful service and strong governance,” Shabalala said.Â
“The [ward’s] support strengthens our resolve to lead with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to improving the lives of all residents.”
Soyiso Maliti
www.news24.com
