The Stellenbosch Municipality will declare a vacancy in Ward 2 to pave the way for a by-election after Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor Wilhelmina "Minnie" Petersen won the seat posthumously. Petersen, 67, passed away on October 28 after serving in various roles at the Stellenbosch Municipality and Cape Winelands District Municipality. She was a mayoral committee member for rural and social development in the Cape Winelands District Municipality after the 2021 local government elections.
Petersen had previously served as chief whip, speaker, and deputy mayor in the Stellenbosch Municipality. According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Petersen secured 42.4% of the votes in Ward 2, which includes parts of Franschhoek and La Mottee. This was an increase from 39.33% of the votes in the 2021 local government elections. The ANC came second with 28.82% of the votes, down from 38.22% five years ago.
The IEC reported that the Patriotic Alliance came third with 19.19% of the votes, followed by the Freedom Front Plus with 3.02%, Afrika Mayibuye Movement with 2.51%, the EFF with 1.89%, and African Independent Congress with 1.17%. The IEC stated that it had not received notification from the municipal manager to declare the vacancy. The by-election process will begin once the final list of councillors is gazetted.
The IEC usually conducts by-elections within 90 days from the date the municipal manager declares the vacancy. Petersen was remembered for her public service and commitment to the people she represented. A service was held at the Groendal Community Hall in Franschhoek on Saturday to celebrate her life.
The Stellenbosch Municipality paid tribute to Petersen, highlighting her years of service, leadership, and dedication to the community. The municipality described her as a familiar and respected figure who championed the needs and priorities of residents. No comment was obtained from the DA at the time of publishing.
The IEC confirmed that it was currently unaware of any similar cases in the Western Cape. Petersen's posthumous win has led to a by-election in Ward 2, which will require the municipal manager to declare a vacancy. The by-election process will then commence, with the IEC aiming to hold the by-election within 90 days.
The by-election in Ward 2 will be closely watched, given Petersen's long-standing service to the community and her posthumous win. The outcome will likely have implications for the local government and the community, which has been mourning Petersen's passing. Key points to watch include the timing of the by-election and the participation of various parties.
Key points
- The by-election will be held within 90 days from the date the municipal manager declares the vacancy.
- Petersen won 42.4% of the votes in Ward 2, an increase from 39.33% in the 2021 local government elections.
- The ANC came second with 28.82% of the votes, down from 38.22% five years ago.
