The Democratic Alliance secured its first township ward victory in Gauteng by narrowly defeating the African National Congress in Evaton West. The result marks a historic shift in the Emfuleni area. Maki Tshabalala becomes the DA's first ward councillor in a Gauteng township.
The DA won Ward 28 in Evaton West by eight votes, taking 32 percent compared to the ANC's 32 percent. The party doubled its support from the 2021 local government election. Key gains came in the Water in the Wilderness Ministries district where the DA reached 37 percent.
The by-election followed the resignation of former ANC councillor Cedric Davids. The ANC had approached the Electoral Court to postpone the vote over concerns about registered voters but the application was rejected. The EFF received 12 percent while the Patriotic Alliance took 8 percent.
In a separate by-election in Mmabatho Masuthle Ward 2, the ANC held firm with 73 percent against the EFF's 20 percent. The next round of by-elections is scheduled for 10 June. The DA now holds 25 seats in the Emfuleni council.
