By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has retained three wards in the rural strongholds it was defending in the by-elections in several municipalities.
The ANC said it is “proud to have retained Ward 1 at Koukamma Local Municipality , Ward 18 at Mnquma Local Municipality, and Ward 12 at Intsika Yethu Local Municipality with an overwhelming victory.”
The party’s spokesperson, Gift Nqondi, said this victory is evidence that the masses continue to have confidence in our glorious movement and its leadership.
“By retaining the people’s movement as the leader of their communities, the masses commend the ANC for the good work that has been done since the 1994 political breakthrough to better their lives.
“We thank our communities for showing confidence in the ANC, “Nqondi said.
He said the regular elections held in our country are an affirmation that democracy is alive and a practical expression of the commitment to the Freedom Charter.
Meanwhile the Democratic Alliance (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has announced the results of two by-elections that were held in Nelson Mandela Bay on Wednesday – which the party won by a landslide.
By-elections were held in wards 2 and 9.
These positions were left vacant after former ward 2 councillor Renaldo Gouws was elected to Parliament and former ward 9 councillor Heinrich Muller took up a seat in the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature.
DA provincial chairperson Yusuf Cassim said the party won by an overwhelming majority, retaining both wards.
“In ward 2 we grew our support to 97,46% from the 70% achieved in the 2024 national and provincial Elections on 29 May,” he said in a statement.
“In ward 9 we increased our vote to 92,06% after achieving 81,16% in the 2024 national and provincial Elections.”
He said the party had elected Sean Tappan as ward councillor in ward 2, while Bernhard Wolf will serve as ward councillor in ward 9.
“The DA is confident that Sean and Bernhard will rise to this challenge and serve the residents of these two wards with integrity.