By The Electoral Commission (IEC) held by-elections in five wards in the Free State in both Matjhabeng Municipality and Mangaung Metro on Wednesday 11 September 2024, where the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province came out victorious.
The contested wards were DA wards and became vacant when the Councillors were promoted or moved to Provincial Legislature and to the NCOP. Seven political parties were vying for the wards, which are a DA stronghold.
According to the IEC, the DA retained all five wards and the results are as follows:
Estelle Dansey, in Ward 35 in Matjhabeng Municipality: FS184, Free State. The party retained the seat it won in the 2021 Municipal Elections, with 46,02% of the total votes cast, compared to 45,85% during the 2021 Municipal Elections. Voter turnout was 41,01%.
Gregory Owen Van Noord, in Ward 18 in the Mangaung Municipality, MAN, Free State. The party retained the seat it won in the 2021 Municipal Elections, with 85,23% of the total votes cast, compared to 65,62% during the 2021 Municipal Elections. Voter turnout was 27,17%.
Corize Van Rensburg, in Ward 20 in the Mangaung Municipality, MAN, Free State. The party retained the seat it won in the 2021 Municipal Elections, with 98,40% of the total votes cast, compared 75,13% during the 2021 Municipal Elections. Voter turnout was 24,65%.
Jan-Hendrik Cronje, in Ward 22 in the Mangaung Municipality, MAN, Free State. The party retained the seat it won in the 2021 Municipal Elections, with 97,36% of the total votes cast, compared to 74,24% during the 2021 Municipal Elections. Voter turnout was 27,05%.
Paul Maré Kotzé, in ward 25 in the Mangaung Municipality, MAN, Free State. The party retained the seat it won in the 2021 Municipal Elections, with 97,78% of the total votes cast, compared to 79,82% during the 2021 Municipal Elections. Voter turnout was 29,21%.
In celebration of their resounding success, the Chairperson of the party in the Free State Werner Horn says the victory is an indication of growing trust by the electorate towards the DA, building from the momentum gained during the 2024 Provincial and National elections.
“We are extremely pleased with these outcomes, reinforcing that voters recognise the DA’s dedication and proven record in delivering transparent and effective governance. We also express our gratitude to all the residents who placed their trust in us by voting for the DA. Our pledge remains unwavering — to ensure good governance and hold those in power accountable,” said the Chairperson Werner Horn.
