EMFULENI – The DA in Sedibeng has won Ward 28 in Emfuleni in a by-election on May 27.
This makes Maki Tshabalala the newly elected councillor of the ward after capturing the historic ANC stronghold by eight votes.
On the day, the township of Mkhelele in Evaton came alive as different parties who rallied behind their preferred candidates painted the kasi with their regalia, posters with the faces of their trusted soldiers, and flags.
Several political bigwigs from different parties descended to the kasi to show their support.
What transpired in the late hours after the votes were fully counted was nothing short of a miracle, as DA members chanted and sang in celebration of their victory.
According to the DA, their support has seen a significant increase from 14.21% in 2021 to 32.36%, while the ANC dropped from 50.90% to 32.14%.
In a statement issued by the DA Gauteng Provincial Leader, Solly Msimanga, the number one citizen congratulated their candidate.
“This historic victory marks the DA’s first win in a township ward and represents an important step as the DA’s momentum towards this year’s Local Government Elections grows,” he said.
Msimanga said the results confirm what they as a party are seeing across the country, that the DA is growing in every community.
“We are a party for all South Africans who want towns and cities that work. The DA won in Emfuleni, a former ANC stronghold, because all voters understand we are the party of jobs, the party of safety, and the party of basic services for all South Africans,” he said.
Msimanga thanked voters who came out to support the DA.
“Our newly elected councillor, Maki Tshabalala, will now lead the fight for better service delivery in this ward. To every South African, the message is clear: if you want your town or city to work, your vote can now ensure it. The DA can win anywhere now. DA supporters can get a DA government by ensuring you are correctly registered where you live.”
“Being correctly registered gives you the power to get working water and electricity, safe streets, maintained roads, clean parks, reliable refuse collection, and safer communities. The DA’s 2026 local government election campaign will take the same message that won in Emfuleni to every ward in South Africa, and we stand ready to govern across the country after the November elections,” said Msimanga.
