Siyavuya Mzantsi
THE ANC has described its win over the previously DA-controlled Ward 11 in Grabouw as a “historic and psychological victory” following a by-election in the Theewaterskloof municipality this week.
The DA had been in control of the ward for the past decade, said the newly elected councillor John Michels.
The ANC got 1 240 votes, while the DA receved 1 036, and 68 people voted for the Independent Civics Organisation of SA (Icosa).
Michels won the seat with 50.51 percent of the 2 475 votes cast on Wednesday in the ward that became vacant after the death of councillor Lydia Matomela. The DA retained Ward 13 in Overstrand uncontested.
“People are tired of their empty promises. I am going to serve everyone in this community,” Michels said. ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman said the party was looking forward to the upcoming by-elections with confidence. “The ANC welcomes John Michels as its new councillor in that ward.”
“We are humbled and thankful for the support. It is an extremely difficult ward with a large number of white DA supporters living there,” said Fransman.
Western Cape DA leader Patricia de Lille said although her party was disappointed of the Ward 11 outcome, it was glad that it retained Ward 13.
“We are positive that we will win back the ward then. We also believe that one swallow doesn’t make a summer.”
IEC spokesperson Lydia Young said the ANC won eight wards, the Inkatha Freedom Party two wards, and the DA one ward in by-elections contested in four provinces on Wednesday.
“The results saw the ANC retaining six wards and gaining one ward each from the IFP and the DA. The IFP retained one ward and gained one from the ANC, while the DA retained one ward and lost one ward to the ANC.”