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Members of the DA are seen during a by-election in Ward 28 in Evaton, Emfuleni in the Vaal on 27 May 2026.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) says its victory in a by-election in Ward 28 in Emfuleni in the Vaal signals a growing shift in voter confidence away from the traditional strongholds of the African National Congress (ANC).
The party says the result proves that campaigning on the delivery of basic services, clean governance and creation of job opportunities would help it to win support across communities.
The DA more than doubled its support in the ward, while the ANC’s share of the vote dropped significantly compared to previous elections.
DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says the outcome sends a strong message ahead of this year’s local government elections in November.
“It is the first time this ward has ever been won by a party other than the ANC since 1994. This is such an inspiring and hopeful sign that South Africans are choosing change and choosing governments that work. This result matters far beyond one ward. The message from Emfuleni is that the DA and will win anywhere and that South Africa can work for everyone. This is a great result.”
