Africazine:
The recent by-elections in South Africa have reshaped local political dynamics.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) announced the results of the by-elections held on Wednesday, 11 February 226. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) retained its seat in KwaZulu-Natal, while the Patriotic Alliance (PA) won a seat in the Western Cape.
IFP Retains Seat in KwaZulu-Natal
The IFP’s Bakhanyile Nobuhle Shozi has been elected as the new councillor for ward 13 in the Umzumbe Municipality, KZN213. The party secured this seat with 43.23% of the total votes cast, a decrease from the 50.09% it achieved in the 2021 Municipal Elections. Voter turnout in this ward was recorded at 51.01%.
PA Gains Ground in Western Cape
In the Western Cape, the Patriotic Alliance’s Naellowine Charmonay Elsebé Esau was elected as the new councillor for ward 16 in the George Municipality, WC044. The PA won this seat with 65.26% of the total votes cast, taking over from the Good party, which had previously held the seat with 38.80% of the votes in the 2021 Municipal Elections. Voter turnout in this ward was 52.80%.
Next Steps for Local Governance
- New councillors will begin their terms immediately.
- Local governance strategies will be discussed in upcoming council meetings.
These by-elections highlight shifting political allegiances in South Africa.
