The ANC claimed the hotly contested Ward 3 by election with a reduced majority. Candidate Lungile Prudence Mbhele obtained a majority of just 50% in a poll where only 44% of voters both to cast their ballots.
In 2011, previous Councillor, the late Mfanafuthi Zwane, took 58% of the photo in a poll where 60% of voters registered.
Analysts told the Courier that ‘not too much should be read into the result as it was more of a showing of ANC supporters showing their dissatisfaction with the choice of candidate rather than support for the IFP.”
The IFP candidate, Dudu Nkosi, was previously turfed out of the DA.
Full results:
BHEKANI AUBREY SHABALALA NATIONAL FREEDOM PARTY Total 198
DUDU PRETTY NKOSI INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
Total 864
LUNGILE PRUDENCE MBHELE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS 43622120 31 32.98%
Total 1,099
VINCENT MBUSO NTOMBELA INDEPENDENT
Total 33
By-Election Ward Winner
LUNGILE PRUDENCE MBHELE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS 1099 50.09%