ANC Retains Ward 14 in eMbalenhle by-election
eMBALENHLE – The ANC has retained Ward 14 in eMbalenhle following the by-election held from November 4 to 5. Elderly voters and residents who were unavailable to vote on the main election day, November 5, cast their special votes on November 4. The ANC secured victory with 43.78% of the vote, followed by the DA
The ANC has retained Ward 14 in eMbalenhle following the by-election held from November 4 to 5. Elderly voters and residents who were unavailable to vote on the main election day, November 5, cast their special votes on November 4.
The ANC secured victory with 43.78% of the vote, followed by the DA with 26.73%, the EFF with 16.71%, MK with 10.12%, and an independent candidate who received 2.66%.
Bishop Fana Nzimande is now the ward councillor. The by-election was held after the resignation of Jabu Zwane, who had served as both the ward councillor and member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for Revenue Enhancement.
Zwane resigned from both the ANC and the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM). He submitted his resignation letter on May 28, citing unresolved issues within the party and the municipality.
During the campaign, all political parties intensified their efforts to win the ward from the ANC. The ruling party brought in its national parliamentarians and provincial legislature members to help secure the ward and ensure it remained under ANC control.
Although the DA did not win the ward, the party celebrated significant growth in its support within what has traditionally been an ANC stronghold.
According to the DA, the party’s support in Ward 14 increased from 10% in 2024 to 26% in this by-election.
“This means that the DA is making inroads in our townships and rural areas. Our commitment to service delivery and to residents of this ward remains unchanged.
“The outcome of this by-election indicates that a substantial number of residents in this ward are rallying behind the DA for change,” said Jane Sithole, DA Mpumalanga provincial leader.
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Sithole added that this growth comes at a critical time as the party prepares for the 2026 local government elections.
“The DA remains the only party capable of turning around the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality. Residents deserve a government that prioritises their needs.
“We will continue to expand our footprint throughout the province, both in rural and urban areas. Our candidate put up a good fight, and that is reflected in the results,” said Sithole.
She also thanked residents who voted for the DA, assuring them that their commitment does not go unnoticed.
“The DA will continue to amplify its visibility in Ward 14 and assist residents when they face service delivery challenges,” she concluded.
