ANC retains wards in Eastern Cape, IFP gains ground in KwaZulu-Natal
· The South African
The African National Congress (ANC) retained two wards in the Eastern Cape, but lost another to the Patriotic Alliance (PA), while the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) emerged as a strong performer in KwaZulu–Natal during by-elections held on Wednesday, 18 March.
Eastern Cape: ANC holds, but slips in one ward
The ANC successfully defended its seat in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, where Thembinkosi Sobende won Ward 32 with a commanding 80.03% of the vote – a significant increase from the party’s 2021 performance.
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In Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality, Nceba Mtyana also held Ward 14 for the ANC, securing 63.05% of the vote.
However, the party suffered a loss in Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality, where the PA’s Nathan Angus Vavian Jacobs won Ward 7 with 40.19%, flipping the seat from the ANC.
PA leader Gayton McKenzie was quick to hail his party’s win.
KwaZulu-Natal: IFP on the rise
The IFP recorded a strong showing in Nongoma Local Municipality, retaining Ward 20 through Mandlaphezulu Perfect Khanyi, who secured 46.96% of the vote.
The party also captured Ward 7 in Nongoma, with Zamokuhle Ivy Mtshali winning 54.65% and taking the seat from the National Freedom Party (NFP).
In AbaQulusi Local Municipality, Thulani Patrick Buthelezi delivered another victory for the IFP, winning Ward 12 with 62.95% of the vote – unseating the ANC.
Turnout and political signals
Voter turnout across the contested wards ranged between roughly 39% and 60%, reflecting varied engagement levels among communities.
The results point to continued dominance by the ANC in parts of the Eastern Cape, but also signal growing competition at local level.
Meanwhile, the IFP’s gains in KwaZulu-Natal underline its strengthening foothold in the province’s municipal politics.