Johannesburg – The African National Congress (ANC) has emerged victorious in seven out of 10 contested wards in Wednesday’s by-elections in Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, and Mpumalanga.
The ANC increased its voter support in Ward 19 (Amsterdam, Thokozani) in Mkhondo, Gert Sibande (Mpumalanga) to 79%, compared to 76% support in the 2021 local government elections.
The ANC also increased its support in Ward 5 (Grootvlei) Dipaleseng, Gert Sibande in Mpumalanga to 70%, from 49% in 2021.
Ward 105 in Bronkhorstspruit, Tshwane, saw a 14% increase in ANC support compared to previous elections.
Commenting on the victories, the ANC) said it was, “humbled by the confidence voters across the country continue to place in the organisation as demonstrated by the results of Wednesday’s by-elections that took place across Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, and Mpumalanga”.
The ANC also said it was “humbled by the higher-than-expected voter turnout in this ward, especially by young first-time voters who came out to ensure an overwhelming ANC victory”.
The ANC added: “This confirms that communities around Tshwane are resonating with the #BuyaTshwane campaign message of the ANC which seeks to restore services in neglected wards across the city, especially in townships and rural areas.
“The ANC is confident that Tshwane can be restored to a well-functioning metropolitan municipality that it used to be under the ANC-led government before it was collapsed by the DA coalition after the 2016 local government elections.
“We say Buya Tshwane.”
The ANC urged its newly-elected Councillors to be at the forefront of service delivery and to serve communities with humility and selfless dedication.
“We will build on this solid foundation as we prepare for the 2024 national and provincial elections,” said the ANC.
“The ANC wishes to thank all its structures, our army of volunteers, members and supporters for their hard work and energy that ensured this decisive victory.”
