ANC secures by-election wins in Northern Cape, KZN

Cape Town – The ANC secured two by-election victories, flipping the DA-held Ward 7 in Hantam Municipality, Northern Cape, and retaining Ward 2 in Msunduzi Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, despite a challenge from the MK party.

In Hantam, the ANC’s Gerrit Laban won with 45.68% of the vote, as the DA’s support dropped and the Freedom Front Plus gained ground.

Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul hailed the win as a sign of the ANC’s resurgence in the region.

ANC in the Northern Cape just won a crucial by-election in Ward 7, taking over Hantam Municipality. Thanks to the REC and ANC Volunteers for this significant by-election victory. This is a ward that the ANC never won before.

In less than two months, the ANC in the Northern Cape… pic.twitter.com/zj6M3X9QJG

— Dr. Zamani Saul (@dr_zsaul1) December 18, 2024

In Msunduzi, the ANC’s Mbongeni Zuma held off the MK party, which gained traction by winning two of seven voting districts.

MK party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu alleged internal sabotage but pledged to maintain discipline within the party.

Big victory for the ANC ⚫️🟢🟡 in Ward 2 (Sweetwaters) Msunduzi, uMgungundlovu KwaZulu-Natal:

ANC 51% (39%)
MK 37%
IFP 11% (58%)
TRUTH <1%
Poll: 40% (57%)

The ANC have won a ward from the IFP. The ANC came third here in May well behind MKP which won over 50% of the vote. In… pic.twitter.com/TMnCtLpcSI

— Toko Masemola (@TokoMasemola) December 19, 2024

“We note Msunduzi Ward 2 By-elections results, particularly the fact that our organization, the MK still enjoys majority support. We guided the process of Councillor selection and registration which produced candidate Nkosinathi Mshengu,” he wrote on X.

We note Msunduzi Ward 2 By-elections results, particularly the fact that our organization, the MK still enjoys majority support. We guided the process of Councillor selection and registration which produced candidate Nkosinathi Mshengu. Without mandate and permission, someone… pic.twitter.com/nJD5xt4rU8

— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) December 19, 2024

“Without mandate and permission, someone de-registered a candidate who was a product of community meetings and registered a candidate who lost in the selection process.

“The provincial leadership correctly challenged the wrongful candidate in Court and reaffirmed our principled view on candidate Mshengu despite the court refusing. We have acted (instituted internal disciplinary measures) against those who violated internal process. We will have maximum discipline and stability in the organisation. We know what we are up against!”

Voter turnout in both elections was below 50%.