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The Democratic Alliance (DA) has recorded emphatic victories in by-elections in the Breede Valley and Theewaterskloof municipalities.

The DA continues to grow across South Africa, increasing our support levels in all communities and winning more and more seats previously held by the ANC.

Since the 2009 national election the DA has won four seats previously held by the ANC and one seat previously held by ICOSA.

Last night's result in Breede Valley is particularly significant. This victory, with the DA capturing a seat previously held by the ANC, follows our winning of an ANC seat in another by-election there in October last year.

In Breede Valley the DA polled 62% (up from 18.8% in 2006 and 46.5% in 2009). The ANC polled 30.82% (down from 49.27% in 2006).

In Theewaterskloof the DA polled 82% (up from 81% in 2006 and 76% in 2009). The ANC received 12.68% of the vote.

These victories are endorsements of the DA's performance in government and confirm that the DA is the only serious alternative to the ANC, which continues to lose support.

The growing trend of winning seats from the ANC is real democracy in action. The ANC has had its chance and has failed to deliver. Now the ANC is being voted out.

Last night's results bode well for next year's local government elections, where the DA will aim to govern in an increasing number of towns and cities across South Africa.