29 January 2009
The African National Congress is pleased with the results of local government by-elections held in a number of provinces yesterday (28 January 2009).
While by-elections are not generally regarded as a reliable indicator of party support, the ANC is pleased to note that it won all by-elections in Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng.
In Northern Cape, which was the most hotly contested province, the ANC won 11 out of 15 by-elections, with one result still outstanding. Claims that the ANC has been losing support in the province have thus been proven grossly exaggerated.
As the ANC prepares for the general election, it will mobilise all its members and supporters to ensure that it wins a majority in the four wards that it lost in this round of by-elections.
It will also work to consolidate its support in those wards in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu Natal that it took from other parties.
Issued by:
Jessie Duarte
National Spokesperson
African National Congress
More information:
Lindiwe Zulu 082 994 6363
Carl Niehaus 072 343 4007