Emfuleni Defeat – First of Many

Statement by Ashor Sarupen – DA Federal Council Chairperson:

The Democratic Alliance notes ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stating that the ANC has approached the Electoral Court to challenge the outcome of the Emfuleni Ward 28 by-election.

Mr Mbalula’s response is that of a party that cannot accept that it is bleeding electorally. Rather than asking why voters in one of its traditional strongholds rejected the ANC, it has chosen to challenge the outcome in court.

The ANC should stop looking for excuses. It’s terrible delivery record in local government is driving new voters to the DA in droves.

The Emfuleni result is not an anomaly. It is an indicator of a political realignment already underway across South Africa. Voters who have endured years of corruption, collapsing services and broken promises are abandoning the ANC in favour of the DA precisely because the DA gets local government working for all.

If the ANC believes taking voters to court will restore their confidence, it has fundamentally misunderstood the message from Emfuleni.

On 4 November, many more traditional ANC heartland wards will choose the DA. Communities across South Africa are increasingly voting for accountable government, reliable services, safer neighbourhoods and local governments that work for all.

The DA respects the democratic choice of voters whether we win or lose. We call on the ANC to do the same.

The ANC cannot litigate its way back into the hearts of South Africans. Emfuleni is the first of many losses the ANC must prepare itself to accept.