BY-ELECTIONS CONTINUE TO AFFIRM THE PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE IN THE ANC

The African National Congress welcomes the results of the municipal by-elections held yesterday, 18 October 2017. A total of six wards were contested in four provinces being Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and North West. 

Due to the unwavering support the people continue to express in their movement, the ANC successfully retained 5 of the contested wards. Successive by-elections continue to affirm the people’s confidence in the African National Congress. The ANC is humbled with this support and urges the ANC leadership in the wards to work closely with their respective communities to ensure that improvement of the lives of the people. 

Whilst we appreciate the support we continue to get in Ward 01, Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme municipality, in Mpumalanga, the ANC is concerned with the loss of that Ward to an independent. The loss of the ward should, however, not deter the work of the ANC of advancing the interests of the vast majority. ANC should remain on the ground and assist those that are in need of service delivery. Equally, we must ensure we learn important lessons from this setback and work hard to right the wrongs in order to regain the confidence of our people. 

Once again, we congratulate the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for delivering the credible, free and fair elections. We, equally, thank members, supporters and volunteers of the ANC for working tirelessly to ensure this victory for the people.

Statement issued by Zizi Kodwa, ANC national spokesperson, 19 October 2017