The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

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.

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.