EVATON, Thursday 28 May 2026 — The Democratic Alliance won Ward 28 in Emfuleni from the ANC in a closely contested by-election, giving the party a new ward councillor in an area previously held by the governing party.
The Electoral Commission said DA candidate Maki Emily Tshabalala secured 32.08% of votes cast. The ANC had won 50.90% in the ward during the 2021 municipal elections. Voter turnout was 35.79%.
Local results showed Tshabalala finished eight votes ahead of the ANC candidate. The DA described the outcome as significant to its efforts to expand support in township communities, while that assessment remained the party’s interpretation of the result.
The by-election came as parties intensified preparations for the November local government elections.
