Categories: News

Municipal By-Elections in South Africa: April 2023

The African National Congress (ANC) managed to retain its seat won in the 2021 Municipal Elections, but the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) each won a seat that was previously held by the ANC in the provinces of Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape.

EFF Wins in Free State

In ward 17, Dihlabeng Municipality – FS192, Free State, the EFF won with 56.94% of the total votes cast, and Malefetsane Shadrack Mokoena became the new councilor with a voter turnout of 60.66%. The EFF’s vote share increased compared to the 2021 Municipal Elections, when it received 39.69% of the votes.

IFP Wins in KwaZulu-Natal

In ward 19, uMhlabuyalingana Municipality – KZN271, KwaZulu-Natal, the IFP won with 52.90% of the total votes cast, and Phumlani Sifiso Mabika became the new councilor with a voter turnout of 65.23%. The party’s vote share also increased compared to the 2021 Municipal Elections, when it received 41.09% of the votes.

ANC Retains Seat in Western Cape

In ward 05, Overstrand Municipality – WC032, Western Cape, the ANC retained its seat won in the 2021 Municipal Elections with 36.67% of the total votes cast. The new councilor, Bongiwe Gloria Nombula, won in the ward with a voter turnout of 32.58%. However, the party’s vote share decreased from 56.36% in the 2021 Municipal Elections.

Rescheduling of By-Election in KwaZulu-Natal

The by-election in ward 15, Mandeni Municipality – KZN291, KwaZulu-Natal, originally scheduled for April 26th, 2023, has been rescheduled for May 24th, 2023. The rescheduling was due to a change in the proclamation date of the by-election by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Shift in Voting Patterns

The voter turnout was significant in both the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, with over 60% and over 65%, respectively. The by-elections’ results show a shift in voting patterns, with the EFF and IFP increasing their vote share while the ANC’s vote share decreased.

Encouraging Citizen Participation

The Electoral Commission has encouraged citizens to continue participating in the electoral process and exercising their right to vote. For more information, citizens can visit the Electoral Commission website or follow them on social media.

Hannah Kriel

Recent Posts

Cape Town’s Transformative Toy Libraries: Revolutionizing Early Childhood Development

Cape Town's toy libraries are changing how young children learn by creating fun and exciting…

1 month ago

Celebrating Ombuds Day: The Unseen Pillars of Urban Governance

Ombuds Day is here, shining a light on the City Ombudsman, a key figure in…

1 month ago

Innovative Urban Water Management: Embracing Wastewater Package Plants

Wastewater package plants are small, smart facilities that help cities manage dirty water in a…

1 month ago

Confronting Illegal Mining in South Africa: A Complex Battle

South Africa is fighting against illegal mining with a strong team of police, soldiers, and…

1 month ago

Balancing Tradition and Safety: Cape Town’s Fireworks Policy

Cape Town is getting ready for exciting celebrations like Diwali and Guy Fawkes Night, but…

1 month ago

Transforming South Africa’s Tourism Landscape: Patricia de Lille’s First 100 Days

In her first 100 days as South Africa's Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille has…

1 month ago