DA says it made history in Beaufort West by-elections

CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it has made history by winning outright control of Beaufort West for the first time, following three by-elections.

The DA took control from the Patriotic Alliance and African National Congress (ANC) in by-elections held in Beaufort West and Murraysburg.

The party said not only did it win the three wards, but support for the party increased substantially.

In one ward the DA won a seat previously held by the ANC with 42% of the total votes cast, compared to 35,90% during the 2021 municipal elections.

DA provincial leader Tertuis Simmers said, "This marks the first time that the Beaufort West municipality will be governed outright by the DA. 

"This victory ushers in a turning point for the municipality which has for years been wrought with corruption, mismanagement and poor service delivery. The DA has a proven track record of good, clean governance and we are committed to fix what has been broken and rescue Beaufort West."

The DA also managed to retain three wards in Cape Town, with another increase in support.