The African National Congress (ANC) said by-elections wins in Limpopo, Gauteng, Free State and the Eastern Cape are proof that the party’s renewal project is succeeding.

In Gauteng, the party retained ward 130 in Soweto.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said this demonstrated the “enduring bond” between the ANC and the Sowetan community.

“We thank the community of Johannesburg for their loyalty and support, and we congratulate Nduduzo Mzolo, who must carry this mandate with humility and dedication to the daily needs of our people,” she said.

The party also won ward five in Bela Bela in the Waterberg region, in Limpopo; ward seven in the Lejweleputswa region, in the Free State; and ward one of the Kou-Kamma municipality in the Eastern Cape.

The ANC extended its appreciation to voters, volunteers and activists for campaigning, and congratulated Limpopo’s Malesela Michael Ramashala and Free State’s Manana Anna Mohapi.

“These results are not ordinary, but they are proof that the renewal project of the ANC is yielding fruit. The people are responding to the stability, unity and discipline that is returning to the organisation, and to the visible commitment of the ANC to serve communities better,” stated Bhengu-Motsiri.

Now the party is looking ahead to its Special National Executive Committee on local government over the weekend, followed by the Roll Call of Councillors on Monday.

Bhengu-Motsiri said this process will reaffirm the pledge taken by councillors in Ekurhuleni in 2021 to sharpen the focus on service delivery and intensify consequence management.