The  results of the by-election in Naledi municipality in North West demonstrates the overwhelming support the African National Congress (ANC) continues to enjoy among the people of the North-West, the party said on Thursday.

The ANC retained its seat in Naledi municipality, Vryburg in North West during a by-election on Wednesday in Ward 4.

Lopez Mongameli Moeng of the ANC received 939 votes and won the ward. Independent candidate, Gaoretelelwe Nathaniel Molebalwa, obtained 58 votes, Kagiso Kevin Kgajane from the Congress of the People obtained eight votes and Mogomotsi Matthews Peloeng of the Economic Freedom Fighters obtained 272.

"This outcome demonstrates the overwhelming support the ANC continues to enjoy among the people of the North-West. The results across all voting districts in the ward affirm this sentiment," said ANC head of elections Fikile Mbalula.

However, the ANC victory was with a decreased margin of 73,53 percent compared to 75,55 percent the party obtained in the 2016 municipal election.

"We view this outcome as an important yardstick for the forthcoming National and Provincial elections, and have no doubt that the ANC will emerge victorious. The ANC continues to be the trusted political home of the majority of South Africans," said Mbalula. 

"Having drawn invaluable lessons from the successes and challenges of the past 25 years ... informed by our history of commitment to the people’s cause ... we are resolved to make this an era of renewal and hope." 

The ward became vacant as a result of the death of the Councillor.