The Democratic Alliance (DA) is celebrating its win of Ward 26 in the eMalahleni local municipality, which was previously held by the African National Congress (ANC), in Wednesday’s hotly contested by-election, while support grew by 87.6% in the Mamelodi by-election.

DA Mpumalanga provincial leader Jane Sithole said residents of Ward 26 had been “subjected to poor service delivery for far too long”, pointing out that the previous ANC councillor was also implicated in an alleged rape scandal.

“This historic victory in Mpumalanga signals continued voter confidence and great momentum as we make inroads in ANC strongholds, ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections,” said Sithole.

She highlighted that voters from diverse communities were endorsing the DA’s “proven track record of good governance, rejecting corruption and failed policies” that she said had locked people out of opportunities.

The DA’s newly elected councillor for the ward is Sonja Liebenberg.

“We express gratitude and thank each voter who turned out to vote DA. We also commend the DA campaign team, staff, activists and our public representatives who worked day and night during this by-election,” Sithole said.

Meanwhile, DA Gauteng North regional chairperson Crezane Bosch said the party’s support continued to grow in the Tshwane by-elections and in ANC strongholds.

“Our contestation in yesterday’s Mamelodi by-election and the 87.6% growth from 2024 in our support signals the DA's commitment to Tshwane at large. In the very same ward, our support grew by 229% since 2021,” she explained.

Bosch said his party was “incredibly serious” about the City of Tshwane, and returning a DA-led government to the nation's capital.