ANC APPRECIATES CONTINUED SUPPORT IN THE BY-ELECTIONS

10 November 2016 

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the results of the by-elections in over 15 wards countrywide held yesterday, 09 November 2016. We appreciate that the people have reaffirmed their support of the ANC, ensuring that we win 13 wards of the 15 contested wards. 

These results are yet another show of continued confidence by the electorate in the ANC and our programme of fundamental socio-economic transformation. We are deeply thankful to the thousands of South Africans who continue to express the loudest voice that the ANC remains their only political home. Their confidence in the ANC has not, is not and will never be taken for granted. 

To us, retaining control of the 13 wards, means we need to continue accelerating our efforts in dealing with challenges facing our people - acting faster to create jobs, fight crime and deal decisively with corruption. 

The ANC is gravely concerned about the low voter turn out in these elections, and other by-elections before them. According to the statistics released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), of the 97 385 registered population, only 42 368 votes were casted amounting to 43.51% voter turnout. 

For almost 105 years, the ANC, working with the people, has led the struggle for the liberation of all the people of South Africa in which they can all, black or white, enjoy the constitutional right to elect the government of their choice. Many sacrificed their lives for the right to vote. We should never fail them by staying away from voting. 

We are disappointed at the loss of Ward 10 in Polokwane to the opposition. We will continue to work closely with the people to ensure that the Ward returns to the hands of the liberation movement, ANC. 

The ANC expresses its appreciation to our committed volunteers who worked tirelessly ahead of the elections to ensure this victory. We also congratulate the IEC for, yet again, delivering the free, fair and credible elections. 

Statement issued by Zizi Kodwa, ANC national spokesperson, 10 November 2016