ANC in retreat in Western Cape - Zille

By-election victories: DA grows, ANC in decline

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has recorded two remarkable victories against the ANC in by-elections in the City of Cape Town (Gugulethu-Heideveld) and Theewaterskloof (Grabouw) municipalities.

The DA has never won these wards since 1994. The result in Grabouw is particularly significant - the DA polled 48.13%, up from 9.6% in 2006. The ANC received 44.8% of the vote, down from 71.7% in 2006.

In Gugulethu-Heideveld, the DA polled 60.3%, up from 26.2% in 2006. The ANC polled 37.7%, down from 53% in 2006. This victory follows a campaign marked by ANC perpetrated political violence and intimidation. The campaign in this ward has unmasked the ANC's intolerance for democratic competition.

The DA continues to grow across South Africa, with more and more South Africans turning out to vote DA for the first time. Tonight's results demonstrate the extent to which the DA is increasing support across all communities.

In other by-elections, the DA retained a seat in Southport, KwaZulu-Natal, and showed significant growth in Mogale City Ward 31, polling 34.5%, up from 20.9% in 2006.

In contrast, the ANC continues on its path of steady decline. Tonight's victories mean that since the 2009 national election, the DA has won eight seats previously held by the ANC, and one previously held by ICOSA. The ANC has not won a single ward in the Western Cape since the April 2009 national election.

These victories are endorsements of the DA's performance in government, and of our vision of an Open Opportunity Society for All.

The DA is encouraged by the fact that so many people have voted for us for the first time today. We will continue to work tirelessly to show that their faith in us is justified.

Today's results bode well for next year's local government elections, where the DA aims to continue this trend.

Statement issued by Democratic Alliance leader, Helen Zille, May 27 2010

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Well done Well done guys. It's testament to your unrelenting dedication to uplifting the lives of all South Africans. More and more people will continue to move over to your party as it is one of the very few that always speaks sense and has a moral foundation. . .more Good work. . .less by Craig on May 27 2010, 09:50 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Keep it up I can only imagine it is because of service delivery happening in these areas so press on! Of course you know that the ANCYL is only strengthening your position by destroying things which you have done. They will not get the vote in these areas for . .more sure. . .less by Mervyn on May 27 2010, 09:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

good news I am very happy that people's eyes seem to be finally opening up. We all just want a better South Africa. by lr on May 27 2010, 10:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Well done. I do not have words to describe my excitement. Five years ago I would not say what I am saying now. I am happy for DA. I hope my dear COPE will stop fighting unnecessary fights and join forces as we mobilise for 2011 local government . .more elections. Please COPE let us go back to the drawing board and help DA to fight ZANU-PF of SA. . .less by Pakiso on May 27 2010, 10:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

So What So what? Tell us about the R426M that you spent on consultant without following prooper process. by BlackandProud on May 27 2010, 11:52 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

DA Election results Well done DA perhaps we can shed the " White " image and concentrate on " A better life for All" by M Robb on May 27 2010, 12:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

win-win is better A win-win approach is better than trying to beat the other party. Wouldn't it be great if political parties could work together instead of against each other? by pramatic on May 27 2010, 12:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Go Helen Glory, glory Helen Zille! Just kidding but seriously, this is extremely encouraging. by TheGreatWhiteAfrican on May 27 2010, 12:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Put the past behind us...its old news We vote you for president, Helen Zille - continue the good work throughout SA by Ecstatic on May 27 2010, 13:22 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Well done BUT thats great news, but please tell us WTF DA are spending a fortune on consultants for? Ful investigation and disclosure please Helen. I have utmost faith in you, but this just looks bad especially when pointing fingers at the ANC. by WellDoneBUT on May 27 2010, 13:26 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

We vote for you We vote for you as president, Helen Zille by Ecstatic on May 27 2010, 13:32 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Helen for President Well done Helen! Helen for President! The People of the Western Cape have seen through ANCs dirty tactics and voted for a party that is well governed and cares about serving them, not self enrichment! by Anton S on May 27 2010, 13:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Care to comment, anyone? somebody? "The Democratic Alliance-led City of Cape Town has come under fire for its heavy reliance on consultants, after splashing out close to R500-million, with almost half of this sum being paid for contracts not put to tender" "One contractor was paid . .more . .more about R20m to advise the municipality on the Integrated Rapid Transit (IRT) system and ended up costing it an extra R80m in unforeseen expenses after saying erroneously that the city wasn't liable for VAT." "PricewaterhouseCoopers was then roped in to advise the city following the VAT blunder and was paid R1,9m without a tender" . .less by fromiolcoza on May 27 2010, 14:10 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Beware ZANU-fix So the DA have demonstrated an effective alternative to ANC rule ! Moreover, these results show that the masses are now picking up the message & know what to do. So too the ANC ! The DA has been pre-warned; hence the violence & . .more criminal damage threats... the spontaneous ungovernability effectively evidenced their ANCYL pre-voting press release recently. In ZANUmode - a final warning ! Any more of this sort of DA (or IFP) success & the model says that the constituency of violence will be triggered. So, I sniff Gukurahundis & Murambatsvina's for the shanties & high-density suburbs in the plotting as I type. From before yesterday,watch ANCYL, cde Malema, cde Lindiwe Sisulu, & associate cadres antics & policy closely in the lead up to the next general elections. "Kiss the Boer" was no concilliatory gesture - the opposite, in fact. It was coded but obvious defiance in chimurenga double-speak. Those needing to hear it's message will know its true & brutal meaning precisely... & so do the masses. Once the masses are primed with such "coded messages", it simply takes an outbreak of spontaneously arranged incidents of real "boer kissing" to let them know that the ANC mean business... So, prepare accordingly. As ZANU have already tested the model, you have no excuse for surprise. Aluta continua ! Veteran . .less by John Austin on May 27 2010, 14:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

GO DA Well done to all of those who can see the lihgt, Gugs iyavaya by Kwaza on May 27 2010, 14:14 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Brilliant! Brilliant! Well deserved. Go Helen! by Lizanne Barnett on May 27 2010, 14:24 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Now take them on I was amazed at how few wards countrywide were contested by the DA. Not even Pietermaritzburg. In every ward in which the ANC slightly increased or half maintained their vote they were only up against the PAC or some independents and small fringe parties. . .more In one instance the ANC even lost against an independent (what were the circumstances here?). In the two wards contested by them Cope did not manage more than 6%. Only gains ANC have are against declining IFP in KZN. It appears that ANC truly against the ropes and they must not be allowed to recover. Time to spread the net wider and contest more wards. Keep up the pressure and force them to spread their resources and exploit their factional divisions. Take over mantle from IFP in KZN. Give the EC some attention. The Gugulethu voters mostly have family and friends there and the message will travel. It will become acceptable to vote away from ANC who does not deliver. Lets get some blue shirts out there! Would have been interesting if you had a black candidate in Mogale City. I suspect you would have one that one. . .less by Pendulu on May 27 2010, 14:59 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Quality Congratulations. Quality candidate in Grabouw. More of the same and this country has hope. by Bokdrol on May 27 2010, 15:03 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Uhm R The Gugulethu candidate not so shabby either. Compared to the rabble and even convicted criminals put forward by the ANC this is a breath of fresh air and must produce dividends in future. This will not only gain more seats but force the ANC . .more to put forward worthwile candidates and not just political stooges - this way the whole country will benefit. Saam na die Noorde, saam met die wa. . .less by Bokdrol on May 27 2010, 15:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Bokdrol ...en hoor jy die magtige dreuning...van Kaapland tot bo in die Noorde ... dit is die lied van jong Suid-Afrika. DA the only true multi-racial party despite lip service by some in ANC. Together as a nation we can do more. The process of nation building . .more has begun. There is a shortage of skills which will get worse as the economy grows. There is room for everyone and more. Let us all bat to our strengths, take hands and do this together without a little skin pigment getting in the way. Every nation has a history. Remember the past so that it is never repeated, but look to and live in the future. Soweto see you on Saturday! . .less by Wandrag on May 27 2010, 15:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

You go girl! Well done. Ominously though the ANC look very strong elsewhere. by MikeB on May 27 2010, 16:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Well done DA! .... now please explain ... .... the huge payouts to consultants by the City of Cape Town. I sincerely hope you are not following the footsteps of the ANC here in Gauteng, where a couple of billion have been spent on consultants ... half a million alone spent by the last . .more MEC for Health. . .less by Saffer on May 27 2010, 16:31 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Political stooges - ANC give us quality or go home ANC for as long as you put forward incompetent political stooges and even convicted criminals as candidates you may get away with it for a while but soon matters will catch up with you. You can fool some people some of the time but not all of the people . .more all of the time. Just look at the quality of the candidates fielded by the DA in the WC compared to the rabble put forward by the ANC in most wards. All a mad scramble for power and favour. What about integrity and discretion for a change? I do not willingly buy a shabby shirt from a shop and refuse to vote for a shabby candidate simply because he/she is put forward by my party of choice. You are supposed to govern the country not rule it like a personal fiefdom. This is not the middle ages and we do not live in the jungle. Give us quality or go home. . .less by Pendulu on May 27 2010, 16:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Pendulu True, some of us can actually read and write. by Mpugi on May 27 2010, 16:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@MikeB True, but look at who they stood against in the wards where they gained. The PAC and a mottly lot of independents and minor fringe parties (apart from Cope in two wards). Not anywhere against the DA who gained in every ward it contested. One independent . .more actually reversed a substantial ANC majority and won the ward which is unusual in current SA politics. Maybe disguised ANC candidate who did not crack the nomination in factional dispute, who knows. The only real advances were against the IFP in KZN, but this is just t-shirt politics and no real substantial shift. Doubt if any of those voters can even explain the differences in policies of the two parties. Surprised that DA fielded so few candidates. Seems to be the next challenge, but I suppose it is a matter of resources. This is where we come in - those who care about our country. Let's stop whining and start working. It is worthwhile and rewarding. I know whites feel bit left out and overwhelmed, but you have a lot to contribute. Join us and you will be surprised. Get out of that comfort zone. Just don't expect to only operate at candidate level or nothing. It requires all sorts of talents and contributions. We have got to fix this country. We are keeping the beers cold in Soweto for Saturday. Hope see you there. . .less by Aaron on May 27 2010, 17:51 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Congratulations is in order! To all africa sons and daughters i congratulate you for your efforts and comments,it is heartwarming for this old mother from Africa. You have listened to your mothers and have done well. To fromiolcoza, you on the other hand have no listen to your . .more mother when she was teaching manners. There is no shame in congratulating your opposition when they have done well, it will show you are wise ,now you have only shown shame. Shame on you !!! regarding your question on the money,that is good, we must know. But do you also ask ANC about billions that they have waisted, I want answer on that too,you hear me son of Africa. You do not hear, let me wash your ears for you, then you can hear very good, O'kay . .less by Mother Africa on May 27 2010, 19:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

DA Well done Helen Zille,at last the people are seeing the light of who stands for a democratic South Africa,you and the DA are well on your way,to oust this ANC mob of misfits,and become the true democratic alternative government by Karooseun on May 28 2010, 02:29 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ John Austin As John points out beware of Zanu type action now the ANC have been humiliated in their strongholds. The DA were warned last year of the intended destabilization of the Western Cape by the ANC ...after the world cup. I hope the media keep on top of this . .more one. . .less by Wendy on May 28 2010, 06:27 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Consultants I personally am a consultant and have done work in the WC provincial government. I am not saying that all the money spent was necessary or even well spent. The problem is that there is such a skills shortage that many departments just don't have the . .more skills necessary to do certain work that is required and even write coherent reports. For example, does anyone honestly think that the skills exist in the government to do 2,5 and 10 year projections of population growth,spatial development plans to accomodate such growth etc. You have to coordinate the zoning of the land, basic infrastructure development, schools, hospitals etc. Notwithstanding environmental impact assessments etc. This work would almost all be outsourced to specialised consultancies. If you don't do the planning, you wont get the delivery. Rather spend the money (and even waste a bit inadvertently) and deliver. Don't spend the money and you will end up wasting almost everything as we see elsewhere. The trick is to make certain that the procurement processes are transparent and honest. . .less by Consultant on May 28 2010, 08:41 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@ Wendy 100 % correct........ John Austin & Wendy..... This is exactly what is going to happen. These morons will destroy everything in their quest into holding onto power.....they have everything to loose.If this is the way they are behaving now....days b4 the . .more world cup....how do you think they are going to behave after ? Now JZ is pulling the ancestry card.... FFS.....Let the rest of us all unite & take these arrogant, self serving terrorists on....head on . .less by Wake Up SA on May 28 2010, 09:13 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Lets hope the penny starts dropping elsewhere now .. The ANC is not going to win votes by behaving like barbarians. Lets now hope the penny drops with voters in the rest of the country. by Airwolf on May 28 2010, 10:56 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

well done DA, your day will come The DA is growing stronger day by day whilst the ANC is slowly but surely losing their so called endless rule. Th majority ANc supportes will eventually wake up one day to the promises they have not received since 1994. Over time , people will . .more realize the ANC is not the answer to a free and fair society, raher a self gain ,corrupt, and vastly uneducated bunch of noise makers... well done helen. keep it up.... that victorious day will hopefully dawn in the not to distant future.... . .less by da suppoter on May 28 2010, 15:49 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Well done, Helen and the DA Thank you for your hard work and commitment. We want this beautiful land of ours to prosper. by ys on May 28 2010, 18:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Makes you think The DA increased their votes by 50% last election and since then have won eight more seats ... the momentum is growing ... the people are waking up to the option that the rainbow dream can still happen and we don't have to settle for ANC incompetence and . .more corruption. Well done Helen and the DA - you deserve the success. . .less by Sad days on May 29 2010, 09:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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