The Democratic Alliance (DA) has announced that it has retained control of the uMngeni Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with over 60% support in the latest local government elections. This marks a significant increase from the 48% support the party received in the 2021 elections. According to the DA, they won 10 wards, five of which were previously led by the African National Congress (ANC).
The DA's provincial chairperson, Dean Macpherson, addressed the party's supporters at the KwaZulu-Natal Results Operations Centre, highlighting the party's significant increase in support. He noted that the DA had secured victories in all five township wards in the municipality, each with a commanding majority. Macpherson emphasized that the party had won every single one of the four 100% black township wards in the municipality with a commanding majority.
The DA's increased support in the uMngeni Municipality is attributed to a significant increase in votes, from 14,000 in 2021 to over 24,000 in the latest elections. Macpherson expressed confidence that the party would retain control of the municipality with a majority of over 60%. He reiterated the party's commitment to improving service delivery for all residents and positioning itself as a beacon of hope in KwaZulu-Natal.
Incoming mayor Chris Pappas expressed confidence and experience as the party enters its next term. He acknowledged that the municipality had faced challenges in implementing its vision during the previous term but noted that most of the obstacles had been addressed. Pappas cited a lack of support from provincial government departments and other entities as some of the challenges that had hampered the municipality's work.
Despite the challenges, Pappas noted that the municipality had continued to make progress. He emphasized that the incoming administration would consider strategic litigation against provincial and national government departments that failed to fulfil their service delivery mandates. Pappas promised that the party would protect the gains made, keep chaos out, and continue making progress.
The DA took over control of the uMngeni Municipality in 2021 from the ANC. Since then, the party has worked to improve service delivery and address the challenges faced by the municipality. Pappas emphasized that the party would continue to work towards delivering on its manifesto and providing better services to residents.
The DA's retention of control of the uMngeni Municipality is seen as a significant victory for the party in KwaZulu-Natal. The party's increased support and victories in the township wards demonstrate its growing popularity in the region. As the party begins its next term, it faces the challenge of delivering on its promises and addressing the ongoing challenges faced by the municipality.
Key points
- The DA increased its support from 48% in 2021 to over 60% in the latest local government elections.
- The party won 10 wards, five of which were previously led by the ANC.
- The DA secured victories in all five township wards in the municipality, each with a commanding majority.
