After stepping down as Ward 8 councillor earlier in 2025, the ANC’s Aubrey Tsengwa reclaimed his seat after a by-election was held on Wednesday in Knysna.
The ANC won with 1,302 votes, with the Patriotic Alliance’s candidate, Magdalena Moos, trailing behind with 797 votes.
The remaining parties were the EFF (228), MK party (140), Knysna Independent Movement (28) and the Land Party (five).
According to the IEC, 2,524 people voted, with 4,942 registered.
Tsengwa could not be reached for comment by the time of publication.
ANC Western Cape secretary Neville Delport congratulated Tsengwa and expressed gratitude for his unwavering dedication and hard work in securing the victory.
He also thanked residents for supporting the ANC.
“This victory is not only for the ANC, but for the people of Ward 8.
“Our immediate task is clear [and that is] to deliver quality, people-centred services that meet the needs and aspirations of our communities.”
Tsengwa resigned after a recommendation for his dismissal by an investigative committee.
In April 2023, the provincial department of local government appointed an investigative committee to probe several allegations against Tsengwa, a former mayor.
The committee recommended he step down, along with others.
The investigation was launched after a 2022 council resolution approved the creation of seven support staff positions across various political offices.
After his resignation, Tsengwa was suspended by the party after the ANC accused him of disrupting the party’s business in the ward.
Tsengwa, who is the ANC’s acting chair, did not inform the party before resigning.
Meanwhile, the Patriotic Alliance emerged victorious in the Ward 9 by-election held in Mossel Bay on Wednesday.
The by-election was held after former DA councillor Erica Meyer died on April 11.
The Patriotic Alliance’s candidate, Luhein Prins, won with 1,188 votes.
Trailing behind was the DA’s Linda Brown, who secured 897 votes.
The remaining candidates were the ANC’s Roderick Damons, who received 179 votes, and independent candidate Bernard October, who garnered 42 votes.
In the 2021 local government elections, the DA won the ward with 34.62% of the votes, edging out the Patriotic Alliance, which got 30.58%.
According to the IEC website, 4,643 people were registered to vote in the by-election.
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.