DA win in latest Tshwane ward by-election affirms support for mayor – Uys

The DA retained Tshwane Ward 92 in a triple victory during the by-elections on Wednesday, August 28.

Newly elected councillor Shimmy Mashamaite won with greater support of 59.17% from 33.6% in 2021.

Leader of the DA caucus in the council, Jacqui Uys, said any alternative government to the current coalition will have to include the EFF.

“Tshwane voters made it very clear yesterday that they do not want to see the EFF in government in the city. The current coalition’s numbers are now 108, which is an absolute majority,” said Uys.

Politics in the council of the capital city is on a knife’s edge for the next two days. ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba did not heed mayor Cilliers Brink’s plea for the party to stay and stabilise the city’s coalition as another motion of no confidence is looming at the council meeting on August 28.

Brink tried to reach out to ActionSA during the coalition management committee briefing yesterday. However, Mashaba said his party would not engage with the DA.

The full results of the Ward 92 by-election are:
– DA: 59.17% – 1 087 votes (24.46% – 1 843 votes)
– ANC: 17.37% – 319 votes (21.90% – 1 650 votes)
– EFF: 18.62% – 342 votes (31.27% – 2 356 votes)
– BOSA: 0.33% – 6 votes (1.99% – 150 votes)
– OHM: 0.27% – 5 votes (Did not contest)
– MK: 4.25% – 78 votes (6.54% – 493 votes)
– Poll % – 12.09%

By-elections were also held in wards 89 and 87 in Johannesburg.

“Following the encouraging results of the national and provincial elections, the noticeable growth we have seen in the outcome of these three by-elections is an affirmation of the electorate’s belief in the DA,” said provincial leader, Solly Msimanga.

He affirmed that the DA is committed to continue working hard on behalf of residents.

“We are confident that the councillors will serve their communities fiercely. Our heartfelt congratulations and well-wishes accompany them,” said Msimanga.

He said the party is especially encouraged by the results in Tshwane, reaffirming that voters believe in the DA’s ability and proven track record of good, clean governance.

Meanwhile, the Pretoria Chamber of Commerce has asked its members to support a petition to keep the mayor in his position and to oppose any attempts to break up the governing coalition and bring the EFF into power.

The organisation said they reject the utterances of Herman Mashaba that aim to break the stable coalition in Tshwane.

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