MEYERTON. – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has congratulated Cllr Pieter Swart on winning the by-election in Ward 1 of the Midvaal Local Municipality on Wednesday, February 5.

Swart is the newest member of the Midvaal caucus after winning the by election decisively.

“(The) victory in the DA-led Midvaal is a vote of confidence in the DA. Where we govern, we govern better. The announcement of Midvaal’s 11th consecutive clean audit earlier this week, is evidence of this fact,” the DA’s Caucus Leader in Midvaal, Alderman Peter Teixeira, said in a statement.

According to the DA, it’s vote share grew from 52.9% in the 2024 National and Provincial Election to 58.47% in 2025.

“We know that Cllr Swart will be an excellent Ward Councillor, and continue the good work done by our dearly departed ‘Oom Freddie,’” Teixeira said.

“The DA in Midvaal will continue to provide the best service delivery in Gauteng, and in the upcoming Local Government Elections, we will bring the DA-difference, to more municipalities in the province,” Teixeira said.

The position of ward councillor was left vacant following the death of Alderman Freddie Peters, affectionately known as “Oom Freddie”.

Peters is described by the DA as a stalwart public representative whose 40-year contribution to South Africa, and more so, to Midvaal, will and can never be forgotten.

In 1999/2000 when Municipal boundaries were set up, Peters fought for what is know as today as Midvaal.