The ANC has declared a decisive victory for community development and organisational renewal following crucial by-election wins in Ward 1 and Ward 10 of the Buffalo City metropolitan municipality.

The victories come at a critical strategic juncture as the party gears up for the 2026 local government elections.

The by-elections follow two former ANC ward councillors' defections from the party, which the ANC leadership characterised as "infantile political opportunism" designed to destabilise and weaken the ANC.

In a statement celebrating the results, the ANC extended its gratitude to voters, volunteers, activists, and supporters. The party interpreted the strong voter turnout as a clear message that citizens are committed to shaping their local communities through the democratic process.

The leadership emphasised that these results prove the ANC’s ongoing internal renewal process is actively resonating with the public.

Moving forward, the ANC intends to use this momentum to accelerate efforts to fix local government, improve service delivery, and deepen its connection with grassroots communities.

The ANC is capitalising on the Buffalo City victories to spark a nationwide mobilisation drive ahead of the crucial Voter Registration Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

The party is calling on all eligible South Africans, particularly the youth, to participate in the registration drive.

“We call on all eligible South Africans, especially the youth, to take their IDs to voting stations between 08h00 and 17h00 on Saturday and Sunday to register to vote, verify their details, and update their voting station if they have moved or have been affected by demarcation changes,” the ANC stated.