On 19th July 2023, municipal by-elections were held across various provinces in South Africa, providing insight into the country’s political landscape. The African National Congress (ANC) retained six seats, while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) managed to keep one seat and win another. The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA) each secured two and one seats, respectively.
ANC’s Newly-Elected Councillors
The ANC’s newly-elected councillors are Ntombovuyo Monica Sebatana from Ward 05 Senqu Municipality in Eastern Cape, Siza Clement Sehloho from Ward 07 Mangaung Municipality in Free State, Dikololo Elias Matsephe from Ward 29 Mangaung Municipality in Free State, Mohanuwa Julia Lekhwele from Ward 49 Mangaung Municipality in Free State, Thabo Nicholus Monare from Ward 50 Mangaung Municipality in Free State, and Keogile Peter Ntshabele from Ward 11 Rustenburg Municipality in North West.
Voter Turnout
Ward 50 Mangaung Municipality had the highest voter turnout at 48.56%, whereas Ward 05 Senqu Municipality had the lowest turnout at 37.85%. The ANC’s overall support remained relatively stable, with slight variations in the percentage of votes secured compared to the 2021 Municipal Elections.
IFP’s Performance
Celinhlanhla Nkululeko Mbambo retained his seat in Ward 02 Nkandla Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, while Swelihle Siyanda Masuku won a new seat in Ward 06 Mthonjaneni Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, previously held by the ANC.
DA’s Notable Changes
Theresa Jeyi won a seat in Ward 16 George Municipality, Western Cape, and Marchell Elton Frederick Kleynhans secured a seat in Ward 27 George Municipality, Western Cape, both seats formerly held by the GOOD party.
PA’s New Councillor
Christo Alexander was introduced as a new councillor in Ward 20 George Municipality, Western Cape, previously held by the GOOD party after the 2021 Municipal Elections.
Implications of the by-elections
These elections highlighted the evolving political dynamics within South Africa. The ANC maintained most of their seats, while the IFP expanded their reach within KwaZulu-Natal, and the DA captured seats previously held by the GOOD party in Western Cape.
Voter turnout played a crucial role in determining the success of various parties, emphasizing the need for political parties to analyze these patterns to better strategize and allocate resources.
These municipal by-elections served as a reminder that the political landscape is continually changing. As voters, it is essential to stay informed and engaged in the process to ensure our voices are heard, and our choices reflected in our communities’ leadership.
