The IFP retained its seat in a rural northern KwaZulu-Natal ward with a dominant performance, while the ANC captured an independent seat in Mkhondo, Mpumalanga, in the final round of 2025 by-elections.
In the final round of 2025 by-elections, the IFP delivered a strong performance to retain its seat in Ward 17 (Mningi Biliya) of uMfolozi, in the King Cetshwayo District. The party secured 62% of the vote (up from 51%), with the MK Party at 21% and the ANC at 16% (down from 42%). This rural inland ward includes villages like Mningi, Biliya, and Magwetshana, located beneath the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and north of Empangeni. In the 2021 local elections, the IFP edged out the ANC by 173 votes, while in the 2024 provincial vote, the IFP led with 48%, followed by MK at 37% and ANC at 9%.
The by-election followed the death of the ward councillor, and the IFP needed the win to maintain its outright majority in uMfolozi municipality, where it holds 18 of 35 seats. With relatively high turnout, the IFP defeated MK by 961 votes and swept all seven voting districts, including a narrow 25-vote margin at Mningi High School. This victory comes days after IFP Premier Thami Ntuli survived a no-confidence motion.
In Mpumalanga, the ANC gained ground in Ward 14 (Harmony Park) of Mkhondo, in the Gert Sibande District, polling 54% (up from 38%), ahead of MK at 36%, AIMSA at 6%, and EFF at 4%. The area lies south of Mkhondo town centre, adjacent to the N2 highway, and is known for its timber industry. In 2021, an independent candidate beat the ANC by 80 votes, and in 2024, MK dominated with 61% to the ANC's 20%. The by-election was triggered by the death of the independent councillor, with the Assegaai Independent Movement of South Africa (AIMSA), formed in 2023 by an ANC veteran, also contesting. The ANC's win marks its 11th straight by-election victory in Mkhondo since 2021, reclaiming the seat by 207 votes over MK.
These results cap the 2025 by-elections, with the next round set for January 21, 2026.