With local govt elections just over a year away, ActionSA & PA score big with by-election wins

With local government elections about a year away, political parties are going big for by-elections. 

The latest round of by-elections saw big wins for the Patriotic Alliance and ActionSA, while there were slumps for the more established political parties. 

ActionSA pulled off a shock win at the Ramotshere Moila Local Municipality in the North West, winning a ward from the African National Congress (ANC) by just two votes.

This was ActionSA's first-ever by-election win since the party was established five years ago.

Over in Gauteng, controversial civil organisation turned political party, Operation Dudula, participated in its first ever by-election this week in Johannesburg's ward 29.

However, they only managed to receive three percent of the vote with the ward, previously held by the ANC, going to the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

The PA also snatched another ward from the ANC in the Swellendam Municipality in the Western Cape. 

Elections analyst, Wayne Sussman, said the signs were looking good for the PA in that province.

"It’s a continuation of the trend, of many of these small towns in the Western Cape gravitating towards Gayton McKenzie and the PA and they will be delighted."

The next round of by-elections is on 5 November.