ANC retained and consolidated voters

The Western Cape ANC has successfully defended its base of support and consolidated its voters block in Wednesday's Ward 88 by-election in Philippi.

Even though the ANC lost the ward with a narrow margin (after it won it in 2011) the DA failed to make inroads in ANC support and drawing maximum support only mustered the same numbers as in the last election. The ANC retained the support it enjoyed in 4 of the 7 voting stations (VD 2007 - ANC 747 DA 24; VD 2287 - ANC 1 215, DA 60; VD 3323 - ANC 385, DA 33; VD 3334 - ANC 235, DA 10).

"The ANC notes the level of disillusionment of voters who did not participate in the voting as a significant low turnout of 40% (compared to just over 55% in 2011) was achieved," says Songezo Mjongile, provincial secretary.

The vacancy was brought about by the death of councillor Shadrack Matata Nenazi of the ANC who won the ward in 2011 by a slim edge.

"The ANC also notes the division on the selection of the candidate that led to a protest vote and the lower voter turnout which cost the ANC the ward. The ANC nevertheless continues to enjoy the confidence of people as the only representative for poor people in order to pursue housing, sanitation and better service delivery," Mjongile added.

Statement issued by ANC Western Cape Provincial Secretary Songezo Mjongile, September 20 2012

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