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Patriotic Alliance Makes Gains in Western Cape, Shakes ANC Strongholds in Recent By-Elections

Published November 23, 2024
2 months ago

In a significant turn of events, the Patriotic Alliance (PA), led by Gayton McKenzie, has made notable electoral gains in the Western Cape, traditionally a Democratic Alliance (DA) stronghold, in the latest by-elections, causing a political stir as the 2026 local government elections approach.





During the by-elections, which took place across various wards on Wednesday, the PA secured Ward 6 in the Matzikama Municipality, a seat previously under the control of the African National Congress (ANC). With 39.74% of the votes, up from 37.76% in the 2021 Municipal Elections, the PA victory highlights a growing influence in regions historically dominated by the ANC and the DA.


The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) highlighted that while the ANC and the DA retained their seats in several areas, the shift toward the PA could be an indicator of changing political loyalties among the electorate. For instance, the ANC held onto Ward 23 in the Raymond Mhlaba Municipality, Eastern Cape, though with a reduced majority, and the DA maintained control of Ward 30 in the City of Cape Town. Nevertheless, the PA's recent win builds on their October success when they captured another ward from the GOOD Party in the George Municipality.


These electoral shifts come at a time when the political landscape in South Africa is notably fluid. With the coalition Government of National Unity (GNU) seeing participation from multiple parties including the PA, DA, and ANC, the results from these by-elections might be an early indicator of a broader realignment.


The DA’s stronghold in the Western Cape saw enhancements in places like Ward 8 in the Stellenbosch Municipality, where they achieved an astonishing 98.61% of the votes, a marked increase from the 85.13% in the 2021 elections. However, voter turnout was notably low, at just 4.25%, suggesting voter apathy or satisfaction with the status quo among the electorate.


Conversely, the ANC faces growing challenges. Despite retaining several wards, the loss to both the PA and previously to the DA in Northern Cape underscores potential vulnerabilities. These electoral outcomes could serve as a wakeup call for the ANC as it prepares for the larger 2026 local government battles.


As South Africa eyes the upcoming elections, the by-election results clearly show an electorate that is increasingly open to exploring alternatives to the traditional heavyweights, possibly heralding a significant reshaping of the country’s political landscape in the near future.


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