The Western Cape’s political landscape shifted in Wednesday’s by-elections, with the Patriotic Alliance securing a significant breakthrough in Stellenbosch while the Democratic Alliance captured an ANC-held ward in George.
The results, confirmed by South Africa’s Electoral Commission (IEC), reflect growing electoral volatility ahead of the 2026/27 local government elections.
Major upset
In Ward 16 (Cloetesville) of Stellenbosch Municipality, Elsabe Vermeulen delivered a major upset for the PA by winning a seat previously controlled by the DA.
The result followed a notable defection, with former DA ward councillor Vermeulen switching to the PA and successfully defending her seat under her new party banner.
The PA secured 39.48% of the vote, displacing the DA, which had held the ward since the 2021 municipal elections with 47.65%.
Voter turnout reached 46.51%, underscoring competitive engagement in one of the province’s politically symbolic municipalities.
Meanwhile, in Ward 25 (Uniondale) of George Municipality, Jarques Denvar Esau won for the DA, seizing the ward from the African National Congress.
The result followed another high-profile defection, this time by former ANC councillor Esau, who retained the ward under DA colours.
The DA improved its vote share to 42.97%, up from 29.80% in 2021.
The ANC slumped to 14% from 30%, while the PA surged into second place with 34%.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) held steady at 9%.
Voter turnout stood at 58.23%.
ANC in decline
These twin outcomes suggest the PA is increasingly capable of penetrating traditional DA strongholds, while the DA remains resilient against ANC decline in rural and semi-rural constituencies.
For the ANC, the George loss adds to mounting concerns over weakening local influence in the Western Cape.
With municipal elections approaching, these by-election swings may serve as an early indicator of broader coalition and voter realignment trends across the province.
The next by-elections are scheduled for 13 May, including contests in Orkney in North West and two closely watched races in Upington and Prieska in the Northern Cape, where the balance between the ANC, DA and PA is expected to be tested again.
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