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By-elections have been a neglected area in South African political news coverage, mainly because there was previously little at stake. But as the ANC’s grip of power is loosening, observers are watching by-elections as a reflection of the way South African politics is moving.
And as pointed out in this week’s Boardroom Talk, the ANC has lost six wards out of 23 it held ahead of contests since November’s Local Elections. Results from 30 by-elections revealed a further slide in the ruling party’s share of the vote – to 41% from 46% nine months before.
Four more by-elections were held yesterday, perfectly timed for my interview with Helen Zille who explained in detail why the two contested by her party, both in coalition-run municipalities, were crucial (watch the interview from 28:13).
Here’s the update. The results confirmed a trend that’s becoming increasingly apparent. In Limpopo’s Modimolle Mookgopong formerly independent councillor Wiets Botes retained Ward 12 for the DA with over two thirds of the vote. In Tshwane‘s Ward 42, the Shane Maas won for the DA with 77.6% of the vote (from 73.6%).
More for you to read today:
- As Pelosi Leaves Taiwan, China’s Military Looms Larger. Drills spurred by visit could intrude into island’s claimed territorial waters and signal Beijing’s ability to blockade
- Michael Saylor Bet Billions on Bitcoin and Lost. The longtime MicroStrategy CEO, and perhaps the biggest bitcoin bull, steps down
- The Conservative Case for Optimism. From rampant crime to closed schools, America’s culture is trying to right itself
- Former Allies Vie for Kenya’s Presidency in Divisive Election. Memories of past election violence and voting irregularities hang over a tight poll in East Africa’s economic hub
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