The Patriotic Alliance (PA) secured Ward 15 (Cloetesville) in Stellenbosch, wresting control from the Democratic Alliance (DA) in recent by-elections. This outcome marked a significant shift in local representation for the key Cape Winelands municipality, as the PA successfully campaigned to take the ward from the DA. The by-election in Ward 15 saw the Patriotic Alliance emerge victorious, taking the seat from the Democratic Alliance.
In a separate contest, the Democratic Alliance emerged victorious in Ward 25 (Uniondale), located within the George municipality, reclaiming the seat from the African National Congress (ANC). Voting results for this ward showed the DA receiving 43% of the vote. The Patriotic Alliance drew 34%, while the African National Congress (ANC) secured 14%, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) obtained 9% of the ballots cast. This dual outcome notes dynamic shifts in voter loyalty and party strength across these Western Cape municipalities, with the Democratic Alliance successfully winning Ward 25 (Uniondale) from the African National Congress.
Stellenbosch Ward Shake-Up
In Ward 15 (Cloetesville), the Patriotic Alliance secured 39% of the vote, surpassing the Democratic Alliance, which received 31%. The Good party drew 19% of the ballots, while the African National Congress obtained 9%. The PA's victory margin over the DA in the Ward 15 by-election was 177 votes. This electoral shift followed the defection of ward councillor Elsabe Vermeulen from the Democratic Alliance to the Patriotic Alliance prior to the by-election. Vermeulen's move played a key role in the PA's successful campaign to capture the ward, directly contributing to the Patriotic Alliance winning Ward 15 (Cloetesville) from the Democratic Alliance. The by-election was necessitated by Vermeulen's resignation from her previous party affiliation.
Uniondale Ward Turnover
The Democratic Alliance secured Ward 25 (Uniondale) in George, wresting the seat from the African National Congress. The DA candidate defeated the Patriotic Alliance by a margin of 223 votes in the Ward 25 by-election. This electoral shift followed the defection of former ANC ward councillor Jacques Esau, who subsequently stood as the Democratic Alliance's candidate in the by-election. Esau's change of allegiance and subsequent electoral success show the fluidity of local politics and voter responses to candidate platforms, resulting in the Democratic Alliance winning Ward 25 (Uniondale) from the African National Congress.
In George, the ruling coalition, comprising the DA, Freedom Front Plus (FF+), and African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), maintains control with 30 of the 55 council seats. This coalition's stability remains intact despite the by-election, reinforcing its majority in the municipal council.
Broader Political Context
The Democratic Alliance's council seats in Stellenbosch decreased from 28 to 27 following the by-election outcome in Ward 15. This reduction reflects the direct impact of the PA's victory on the DA's overall representation in the Stellenbosch council. Meanwhile, the Patriotic Alliance now holds two seats in the Stellenbosch council, placing it on par with the Economic Freedom Fighters as the fourth-largest party. This marks a significant gain for the PA, solidifying its presence in the Cape Winelands region.
In George, the new council composition reflects the recent shifts. The Democratic Alliance now holds 25 seats, an increase from 24 previously, further strengthening its position. The African National Congress has 9 seats, a reduction from 10, indicating a loss in influence. The Patriotic Alliance secured 6 seats, Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners (PBI) has 5, the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) holds 4, and Good maintains 3. The Economic Freedom Fighters occupy 2 seats, and the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has 1, bringing the total to 55 seats. These changes illustrate the dynamic nature of local governance and the ongoing competition among political parties for representation. The next round of by-elections across various municipalities is scheduled for May 13, promising further shifts in the local political landscape.