ANC STATEMENT ON YESTERDAY's BY-ELECTIONS

The African National Congress welcomes the outcome of yesterday's (15 February 2012), by-elections in seven wards nationally.

The ANC won five of the seven wards that were contested by most parties. We were not successful in a ward held by the IFP in Ulundi which they retained and we lost a ward in Polokwane to DA which was caused by the re-demarcation.

Despite that set-back which was unavoidable the ANC is proving to be the people's choice hence our ability to retain our constituencies' support. We are convinced that the ward we lost in Polokwane with time we will be able to reverse the loss. We have also been able to wrestle some wards in the Western Cape as a result of the collapse of some of the coalitions.

The ANC remains committed to effective service delivery and accountable governance at all levels. We want to thank our people for having shown confidence in our abilities and re-affirming us with their votes. We remain convinced that 'together we can build better communities'.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, ANC national spokesperson, February 16 2012

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