The African National Congress (ANC) retained Ward 9 in Sakhisizwe municipality, Chris Hani district, Eastern Cape, with 84% of the vote in a recent by-election. The win, in national chairperson Gwede Mantashe's home area, beat the EFF's 9% by 1,161 votes. This result strengthens the party's position ahead of local government elections.
Ward 9, known as Mbenge Lower Lufuta, is a rural area south of Cala and southwest of Khowa in the Eastern Cape. The by-election followed the death of councillor Thembalakhe Tasana, whose body was found hanging from a tree after he went missing.
In the proportional representation ballot, the ANC took 80% compared to 84% on the ward ballot. The party won every one of the 11 voting stations, securing over 90% in six and 97% at Lower Lufuta School and Mbeula School. Turnout was 47% on the ward ballot and 59% on PR.
The EFF came second with 9% (6% PR), edging the ATM's 6% (2% PR) by 44 votes. The EFF reached over 10% in three stations, peaking at 36% in Hota Primary School, while the ATM topped 23% in Mbenge Primary School.
Historically, the ANC dominated here: 60% in the 2021 ward vote (versus an independent's 30%), over 80% PR in most stations, and 86% in the 2024 provincial election—its best ward in Sakhisizwe. The party holds all nine wards and 13 of 17 council seats locally.