The Democratic Alliance and African National Congress achieved strong victories in by-elections held in Rustenburg and Bushbuckridge wards. These were the last such contests before South Africa's 2026 local government elections.
In Rustenburg's Ward 15, the DA received 81 percent of the vote compared to 19 percent for the Freedom Front Plus. The ANC received less than 1 percent.
The by-election followed the death of the ward councillor after a long illness. Results were consistent across the two voting districts in the ward.
In Bushbuckridge's Ward 3, the ANC secured 85 percent against 15 percent for the EFF. This came after the death of the previous councillor following a short illness.
The next national polls are scheduled for 4 November 2026.
