In a recent by-election held on Wednesday, a former Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor who defected to the African National Congress (ANC) failed to deliver the ward he once led to his new party. While the ANC did not emerge victorious, the party did experience a slight increase in its share of the vote, as did the DA.
The DA managed to retain ward 73 in Chatsworth, eThekwini, with an increased majority, signaling a strong message to the ANC. However, the ANC managed to retain two other wards, Umzimkhulu ward 12 and Mandeni ward 15, during the same by-election.
The ANC’s Failed Attempt:
Ronnie Pillay, a former DA councillor, resigned from his position, triggering the need for a by-election. Subsequently, he became an ANC candidate hoping to secure victory in the ward he once led. However, despite Pillay’s efforts, the ANC was unable to win the ward. The DA emerged victorious, retaining ward 73 in Chatsworth with an increased majority of 81.74%, while the ANC received 17.66% of the vote. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) received a modest 0.61%. This outcome was undoubtedly disappointing for Pillay and the ANC, as their hopes of gaining control of the ward were dashed.
DA’s Encouragement and Determination:
Francois Rogers, the KwaZulu-Natal DA leader, expressed encouragement and determination in the wake of the by-election results. He emphasized the need to send a strong message to the ANC, conveying that the electorate has grown tired of their lies, incompetence, and reliance on food vouchers. Rogers stated that the DA stands ready to serve the voters of KwaZulu-Natal, signaling the party’s commitment to addressing the concerns and needs of the people.
ANC’s Mixed Outcomes:
Despite the setback in ward 73, the ANC managed to retain two other wards during the by-elections. In Umzimkhulu ward 12, an ANC stronghold, the party retained the ward but with a reduced majority of 66%. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) experienced growth, going from being barely present to receiving 25% of the vote, while the EFF garnered 9%. This outcome signifies a potential shift in the political landscape of Umzimkhulu.
In Mandeni ward 15, the ANC witnessed an increase in its voter share, securing 68% of the vote. The IFP received 18% of the vote, while the EFF demonstrated its strongest performance in the three by-elections, obtaining 14%. The ANC’s success in retaining Mandeni ward 15 demonstrates their ability to maintain support in certain areas, but also highlights the growing influence of other political parties, such as the IFP and EFF.
Awaiting Reactions:
As of now, the ANC, IFP, and EFF have yet to officially react to the by-election results. These reactions will likely shed light on how the parties interpret the outcomes and their plans moving forward. It remains to be seen how the ANC will address their failure to secure the ward in Chatsworth and what strategies they will employ to regain voter confidence in the future.
The recent by-election showcased both successes and setbacks for various political parties in South Africa. The ANC’s defection of a former DA councillor did not yield the desired outcome, as they failed to secure the ward he once led. However, the ANC did manage to retain two other wards, although one with a reduced majority. The DA’s victory in ward 73 sent a strong message to the ANC, expressing public dissatisfaction with the ruling
Mboma Mboma