A Setback for the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal
The ANC in KwaZulu-Natal is facing some tough challenges after a recent loss in the Umhlabuyalingana Municipality during the latest round of by-elections.
This follows a tough election season, especially after the disappointing results on 29 May 2024.
The party took a hit when the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) claimed a seat that was previously held by the ANC, making it another loss for the party in this province.
On 12 February, Kwenzile Bongumusa Mtembu of the IFP won in Ward 15, a seat that had been held by the ANC.
According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the IFP won with 48.24% of the vote, a slight drop from the ANC’s 55.66% in the 2021 Municipal Elections.
Voter turnout for this by-election was 59.80%. This defeat is significant for the ANC, especially considering they had managed to win a by-election in December 2024 in Msunduzi Municipality, raising hopes for a stronger showing moving forward.
However, this latest result signals a possible further decline in support for the ANC ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Major Setback for the MK Party
While the ANC’s loss in Umhlabuyalingana is a blow, the biggest shock came from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma.
In the 2024 national and provincial elections, the MK Party had a strong presence, securing 45.35% of the provincial vote in KwaZulu-Natal.
They even gained 54% of the vote in this region.
However, during this by-election, their support plummeted to just 19%, a massive drop that highlights the party’s struggle to maintain its influence in the region.
A Glimmer of Hope for the ANC
Despite the setbacks in KwaZulu-Natal, the ANC did have some positive results in other regions.
For instance, in the Matatiele Municipality in the Eastern Cape, the ANC managed to hold onto Ward 10. Gideon Mvuyisi Masela successfully retained the seat, securing 76.18% of the vote, an increase from the 64.12% they garnered in the 2021 Municipal Elections.
The voter turnout in this area was 48.47%.
The ANC’s Eastern Cape branch expressed their gratitude, thanking the residents of Ward 10 for their continued trust.
They highlighted the win as a sign of the party’s ongoing commitment to progress and renewal.
The provincial body took to social media, stating, “The ANC lives, the ANC leads,” reflecting their optimism after the success.
Early Success in 2025 By-Elections
Looking back at the start of 2025, the ANC did manage a win in the first municipal ward by-elections of the year.
The party retained the seat in Ward 24 of the Bushbuckridge Municipality in Mpumalanga, after the by-elections held on 15 January 2025.
This victory marks an encouraging start to the year, and it remains to be seen if the ANC can build on this momentum leading up to the 2026 local government elections.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the ANC?
With the 2026 local government elections on the horizon, questions remain about how the ANC will fare.
While they have had some successes, the recent losses raise concerns about the party’s ability to maintain support in key regions.
What do you think? How will the ANC perform in 2026? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or get in touch with us on WhatsApp.
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