ANC PLEASED WITH WINNING THREE WARDS IN KWAZULU-NATAL

The African National Congress (ANC) is pleased to have gained three wards in KwaZulu-Natal, consolidating the gains it made in those areas in the April 2009 elections. Our overall performance in yesterday's (18 November 2009) by-elections has resulted in the ANC retaining seven wards, winning three and only losing one to the Democratic Alliance (DA) in polls contested in 14 wards in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Western Cape and Gauteng (see results).

Our overwhelming win in two wards in Newcastle and another in KwaMbonambi demonstrates the huge inroads we continue to make in what were previously Inkatha Freedom Party-held areas in KwaZulu-Natal.

We regret narrowly losing a Cape Town Ward to the DA and remain determined to reverse the loss in the upcoming 2011 local government elections. We have full confidence in the ANC Western Cape Provincial Task Team (PTT) led by comrade Membathisi Mdladlana, which has committed itself to redouble efforts to strengthen ANC structures in that part of the country.

The low participation in by-elections - with one or two exceptions - remains a challenge that has to be addressed to ensure accountable and vibrant democracy in local government.
Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, African National Congress national spokesperson, November 19 2009

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