Central SA
DA makes history with Emfuleni township ward victory─── ZENANDE MPAME 16:43 Thu, 28 May 2026
The DA says winning a ward in a township shows communities are ready for change, accountable leadership, and a government that puts residents first.
It secured its first-ever township-ward victory in Emfuleni, narrowly defeating the ANC in Ward 28. The opposition party beat the ANC in Ward 28 by just eight votes in a contested by-election on Wednesday (27/5).
The by-election unfolded against the backdrop of severe service delivery failures, with residents casting their ballots near piles of uncollected refuse and deteriorating infrastructure. In the end, the DA secured 1,001 votes against the ANC’s 993 votes, overturning a traditional ANC stronghold.
DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga said the victory demonstrated the party’s growing support across all communities ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
“Our support grew significantly from just 14.21% in 2021 to 32.36%, while the ANC dropped from 50.90% to 32.14%.
“The DA won in Emfuleni because voters understand we are the party of jobs, the party of safety, and the party of basic services for all South Africans.”
ANC Sedibeng regional spokesperson Mphikeleli Msibi said the collapse of basic services and divisions within the ANC-led alliance contributed significantly to the loss.
The party had attempted to halt the election through the Gauteng High Court before voting commenced, citing alleged irregularities. “We lost a case in the Gauteng High Court based on urgency after establishing irregularities ahead of the elections. We are not bitter losers.”
The political shift follows scrutiny over alleged maladministration in Emfuleni. DA mayoral candidate Kingsol Chabalala previously exposed what he described as widespread financial mismanagement.
Including R112m spent on refuse collection while rubbish accumulated in the streets, and R4.6m spent on a stadium refurbishment that allegedly left the facility in a neglected state.
Reacting to the result, Chabalala described the outcome as a turning point for township communities. “Yesterday marked a historic moment for Emfuleni.”
“This victory is not just for the DA. It is for every resident who believes Emfuleni deserves better service delivery, safer communities, job opportunities, and leaders who listen.”
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