The Democratic Alliance (DA) has made significant inroads into traditionally ANC territory in Govan Mbeki Municipality, with preliminary election results indicating that the party has wrested two long-standing ANC strongholds, Wards 1 and 24, from the ruling party.
The victories are among the most notable developments in the local election results so far, marking a shift in voter support in areas where the ANC has historically enjoyed a strong presence.
After a lengthy and demanding voting day, the preliminary figures suggest that the ANC’s support has come under pressure, while the DA has managed to consolidate its position in several parts of the municipality.
Portia Mpatlanyana is set to represent Ward 1, while Japhta Skhosana will take over as councillor in Ward 24. Both victories are particularly significant for the DA, as the party has managed to break the ANC’s hold on these two wards.
The DA also secured the newly established Ward 33, where Anthony van Eeden will serve as the new councillor.
Several other wards will also see changes in representation. Adri Marais is the new councillor for Ward 18, while Conway Harrison will represent Ward 28. Other new DA councillors include Clark van der Walt in Ward 25 and Lizelle Steyn in Ward 30.
The party also retained several wards, with Jakes Tesner continuing in Ward 17, Mariaan Chamberlain in Ward 5 and Fiona Pellman in Ward 21.
The election campaign was not without controversy. Allegations were raised that ANC supporters continued campaigning during voting day, despite election regulations prohibiting such activities. Bakkies were reportedly seen driving through eMzinoni and eMbalenhle, with occupants allegedly calling out to voters.
The arrival of additional political parties on the ballot, together with growing public dissatisfaction with the ANC-led administration, may also have contributed to the changing electoral picture.
While the preliminary results provide an indication of the DA’s performance, the final composition of the new municipal council remains uncertain.
Attention will now turn to the allocation of proportional representation (PR) seats, which will determine how many additional councillors each party secures and, ultimately, the balance of power in Govan Mbeki Municipality.
The IEC still needs to complete the counting process and officially announce the results before the full political picture in the municipality becomes clear.
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