The DA has secured a historic breakthrough in Gauteng by winning a crucial by-election in Emfuleni’s Ward 28.

This victory in a traditional ANC stronghold signals a major political shift.

This outcome marks the DA's first-ever victory in a township ward. DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga highlighted the significance of the win, stating it proved the DA was growing in every community.

In Wednesday’s by-election, the DA won the former ANC stronghold with 32.36% of the vote, growing from just 14.21% in 2021 and 19.31% in 2024.

The ward seat became vacant after former ANC ward councillor Cedric Davids was expelled from the party for alleged misconduct.

Msimanga attributed the party’s success to its “clear policy message” relating to jobs, safety, and basic service delivery.

Msimanga said the milestone injected powerful momentum into the party's campaign ahead of the upcoming local government elections in November.

DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis credited the party’s triumph to intense, grassroots campaigning and attributed the success to the residents, activists, and volunteers who engaged with voters door-to-door.

He stated that the outcome in Emfuleni proved “the DA can win anywhere” and said diverse communities were now trusting the party to deliver clean government, basic services, and safer neighbourhoods.

Both Hill-Lewis and Msimanga extended congratulations to the newly elected councillor Maki Tshabalala, while recognising the vital role played by Emfuleni mayoral candidate Kingsol Chabalala.