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ActionSA says it is encouraged by early local government election results in Gauteng, as it appears to be on course to strengthen its position in the City of Tshwane and increase its influence ahead of the 2029 national and provincial elections.
By lunchtime on Thursday, the DA led in Tshwane with 30.6% of the vote, while ActionSA was second at 22.8%.
We’re contesting 105 municipalities, and we believe coalitions will be necessary in many of them.
— ActionSA spokesperson Michael Beaumont
ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont said the party was gaining momentum in several wards and had made significant inroads in areas previously dominated by the ANC, which is currently sitting at 21.9%.
“What we happen to know is that we’ve already taken 12 wards from the ANC in Tshwane, including every ward in Atteridgeville other than one. Our results in places like Mamelodi and Soshanguve are now exceeding 50%,” Beaumont said.
“So, actually, ActionSA today has done very well. We are well set to become the second-largest party in Tshwane, and every indication is that residents are responding positively to the track record and leadership of Dr Nasiphi Moya.”
Beaumont added that the party had narrowly missed out on winning a ward in Bronkhorstspruit.
With coalition governments expected to remain a feature of local politics, Beaumont said discussions about possible partnerships had already begun.
“We’re contesting 105 municipalities, and we believe coalitions will be necessary in many of them. We are willing to engage with all political parties, provided there is a commitment to service delivery, stable governance and a serious fight against corruption,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Emfuleni, the DA was leading with 55.6% of the vote, followed by the VF Plus on 17.5%, while the ANC trailed in third place.
DA federal chairperson Solly Msimanga attributed the party’s performance to years of preparation and growing support across communities.
“We have seen significant growth in Emfuleni. In the past, we would win only one ANC ward in a by-election. Now we have won more than 10 wards,” he said.
Msimanga said the DA had also gained ground in Midvaal and parts of Johannesburg, while its support in township communities continued to grow.
He said the party now had more than one million black township voters and intended to build on that support as it looked ahead to the 2029 elections.
Sowetan
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