ANC Clings On Ward 109 — but Vote Share Collapses in Etwatwa as Opposition Gains Ground: From 69% to 37%: ANC Barely Holds, DA Absent — ActionSA and EFF Rise
By Nkosana Khumalo
Ekurhuleni-In a nail-biting finish that signals shifting sands in South African politics, the African National Congress has managed to keep control of Ward 109 in Ekurhuleni’s Etwatwa area. But the win comes with a stark warning: the party’s support has dropped sharply from a strong 69% in the 2021 municipal polls to just 37% now. This by-election, held on 10 December 2025 with special votes a day earlier, saw opposition groups like ActionSA and the EFF make big strides, while the Democratic Alliance sat it out. For locals in this bustling township, the results highlight growing frustration over service delivery, jobs, and basic needs. As the country gears up for bigger elections in 2026, this outcome could be a sign of things to come in Gauteng’s key spots.
The By-Election Trigger: A Councillor’s Resignation Sparks Change
The vote in Ward 109 became necessary after the previous councillor stepped down, leaving the seat empty. This is a common reason for by-elections across the country, where personal or political reasons can force a fresh poll. In Ekurhuleni, a metro known for its mix of urban and township life, Ward 109 covers parts of Etwatwa – a community grappling with high unemployment, poor roads, and unreliable water and electricity. Residents have long called for better leadership to tackle these issues, and the vacancy opened the door for parties to pitch their fixes.
The Independent Electoral Commission oversaw the process smoothly, with voting stations open from 07:00 to 21:00 on the main day. Special voting on 9 December allowed those who could not make it on election day – like the elderly or disabled – to cast their ballots early. Teams from various parties were out in force, knocking on doors and holding rallies to drum up support. The atmosphere was lively, with songs, speeches, and promises filling the air in Etwatwa’s streets.
ANC’s Narrow Victory Amid a Steep Decline
The ANC’s candidate, Lucas Shabalala, emerged as the winner with 1 586 votes, taking 37.23% of the total. This is a far cry from the party’s dominant showing in 2021, when it scooped about 69% in the ward. Back then, the ANC rode on its history of leading the fight against apartheid and promises of ongoing transformation. But this time, voters seemed less convinced. The drop points to wider discontent in Gauteng, where the ANC has faced criticism for slow progress on housing, crime, and infrastructure.
Party leaders were quick to celebrate the hold. The ANC’s Ekurhuleni regional team thanked locals for their “strong demonstration of commitment,” while Gauteng provincial structures echoed the sentiment, saying the result shows the party still “lives and leads.” Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula highlighted the wins in both Ward 109 and another by-election in the Western Cape, calling it proof of enduring trust. Yet, behind the cheers, the numbers tell a story of erosion. The ANC’s vote share halving suggests that even in traditional strongholds like Etwatwa, people are looking elsewhere for solutions.
ActionSA’s Strong Showing: A New Force on the Rise
ActionSA, led by former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba, put up a fierce fight and came in second with 1 070 votes, or 25.12%. This is a massive jump for the party, which only formed in 2020 and focuses on fixing corruption, boosting jobs, and improving services. In 2021, ActionSA had a smaller footprint in the ward, but this result shows they are building momentum. Mashaba himself hit the ground running, visiting homes and rallying supporters with messages of change. “We’ve got high hopes that residents will vote to bring in a councillor who will deliver services, not incompetency,” he said during the campaign.
For ActionSA, this near-miss is a win in disguise. Their candidate, Henry “Bafana” Malaza, urged voters to “stay firm in their call for change” amid collapsed services in Etwatwa. The party’s rise reflects a hunger for fresh ideas in areas tired of the status quo. Supporters on social media hailed it as proof that ActionSA is “the future of South Africa,” pointing to their practical plans like better waste management and community safety.
EFF Gains Ground as Voters Seek Radical Shift
The Economic Freedom Fighters grabbed third place with 838 votes, making up 19.67% of the share. This is an uptick from their 2021 performance, where they were a distant challenger. The EFF’s push for land reform, free education, and economic freedom resonates in townships like Etwatwa, where inequality bites hard. Their red-beret-wearing activists were visible throughout the campaign, promising to fight for the poor and hold power to account.
This growth shows the EFF is carving out space as a voice for the frustrated youth and working class. Combined with ActionSA’s gains, it paints a picture of opposition parties chipping away at the ANC’s base, especially in urban Gauteng where economic woes like load-shedding and job losses hit home.
Other Parties and the DA’s No-Show
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party, a newer group linked to former president Jacob Zuma, took fourth with 624 votes or 14.65%. This is impressive for a party that did not exist in 2021, showing they are pulling in voters disillusioned with the mainstream. The All Citizens Party got 113 votes (about 2.65%), while the Pan Africanist Congress trailed with just 30 votes (0.7%).
Notably, the Democratic Alliance chose not to field a candidate this time. In 2021, the DA had a presence in Ekurhuleni overall but perhaps saw little chance in this ANC-leaning ward. Their absence might reflect a strategy to focus resources elsewhere, but it left a gap that others filled.
Low Turnout Highlights Voter Apathy
About 4 261 valid votes were cast in the by-election, a fraction of the ward’s registered voters. Ward 109 has around 20 000 to 25 000 registered voters based on similar areas, meaning turnout hovered in the low 20% range – typical for by-elections but worrying for democracy. Spoiled ballots were minimal, but the low numbers suggest many stayed home, perhaps due to disillusionment or bad weather. In 2021, turnout was higher at about 45% across Ekurhuleni, showing how off-cycle polls often see less engagement.
Experts say this apathy stems from ongoing issues like potholes, sewage spills, and youth unemployment in Etwatwa. “People want real change they can see,” one local observer noted. The IEC encouraged registration in November, but fewer than expected signed up.
What This Means for Gauteng and Beyond
This result is more than a local scrap – it’s a snapshot of South Africa’s changing politics. The ANC’s cling-on win in Ward 109 echoes their national drop to 40% in the 2024 general elections, forcing them into coalitions. In Gauteng, where they govern with partners, such declines could spell trouble for 2026 locals. Opposition gains by ActionSA and EFF boost their confidence, positioning them as alternatives in metros like Ekurhuleni.
For Etwatwa residents, the hope is that the new councillor delivers. Shabalala now faces pressure to address daily struggles, from fixing streetlights to creating jobs. As one voter put it, “We need action, not just words.” With parties already eyeing the next big vote, this by-election reminds everyone that every ballot counts in building a better future. The people of Ward 109 have spoken – now it’s time to listen.
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