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The Local Government Elections are now officially over, with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announcing the final results on Thursday evening, 4 November 2021, at the National Results Operations Centre in Pretoria.
Over the weekend and on Monday, more than 12 million South Africans cast ballots for candidates to represent them in the country’s 257 municipal councils.
IEC Chairperson Glen Mashinini emphasises, “We are satisfied that, bar a few incidents, for which we apologise, that we have delivered quality elections. We are proud to proclaim to the world that we are still flying high the banner of electoral integrity, excellence and free and fair elections. Through these elections, we have sent a resounding message to the world at large that we South Africans remain a beacon of pre-eminence in the conduct of electoral democracy. It is then my singular honour to hereby declare the 2021 Municipal Elections concluded as free and fair,” he said.
Mashinini announced that the African National Congress (ANC) had won majority seats in 161 municipal councils across the country, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 13 municipalities and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), which now has majority seats in 10 municipal councils.
Mashinini went on to say that at least 66 municipal councils are hung, which means that no party won an outright majority in those bodies.
In Newcastle, the African National Congress (ANC) retains control of Newcastle with 22 seats. With 18 seats, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is a close second.
This election saw the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) win eight seats, while Team Sugar South Africa (TSSA) took home seven.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has five seats, while newcomer ActionSA has three.
The National Freedom Party (NFP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), Vryheidsfront Plus (VF Plus), and African Transformation Movement (ATM) each have one seat.
The IFP’s Reginald Ndima is overjoyed with the results. He states, “On behalf of the IFP, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Newcastle and Amajuba as a whole. Especially, as we came from no wards to gaining 6 wards. The support shown by the people was amazing.”
The IFP secured wards 6, 9, 16, 18, 32 and 33.
Looking ahead, Ndima expresses confidence that the IFP will continue to serve the community with zeal. This includes improving service delivery to Newcastle West ratepayers while addressing issues in Newcastle East.
Ndima is determined to see the IFP bring about positive change as it focuses on service delivery, infrastructure improvement, and job security.
Furthermore, the DA’s Imran Keeka says, “The Democratic Alliance in Amajuba wishes to express gratitude to all voters who availed themselves to cast their vote in our favour. Our team of dedicated councillors have shown that they go well beyond the call of duty to get things done.”
He adds that in 2016, the DA had two wards in Amajuba, and the results show that they will soon have five ward councillors sworn in. “This 150 percent increase in poll results is a testament to our councillors’ hard work and commitment to performing to the best of our abilities.”
In Newcastle, the DA will be responsible for wards 2, 3, 4 and 34 and in Utrecht/Emadlangeni, for Ward 2.
Musa “Sugar” Thwala of Team Sugar South Africa (TSSA) is overjoyed with the election results. He says, “We are pleased that the community responded so well to us. TSSA has secured wards 28 and 31. It demonstrates how much the community believes in us and what we stand for.”
According to the Thawala, this is a watershed moment for Newcastle, as TSSA will now focus on improving service delivery and improving people’s living conditions.
Faizel Cassim of ActionSA has expressed heartfelt gratitude to the voters for casting their ballots, which resulted in his political party securing Ward 25.
“We are grateful for the votes, and we will work tirelessly for the community,” he says. He affirms that the party’s priorities will be to address ageing infrastructure, roads, and job creation.
The IEC Chairperson urged the newly elected councillors-elect to make a difference in the lives of the people they now represent. “We congratulate the 10 461 councillors who have won the right to serve our people. We urge them to go out and make the lives of our people better. Go out and ensure that our communities develop and live in peace. Go out there and ensure the future of our children through your honest and ethical work,” Mashinini said.
As political parties gear up to conduct their work, a complete list of the ward councillors will be released in due course.
What are your thoughts on the election results? Share your views in the comment section below.
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