The ANC’s unexpected victories in key by-elections in Pietermaritzburg and the Northern Cape signal a powerful political comeback ahead of the 2026 elections.

In an unexpected turn of events, the African National Congress (ANC) has stormed to victory in the highly contested by-election in Pietermaritzburg’s Ward 2, reclaiming control of the Sweetwaters district.

The victory, which was seen as a significant political maneuver, came after the ANC outperformed the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), a feat that raised eyebrows across KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and beyond.

The by-election, held on Wednesday, saw a dramatic shift in local political dynamics, with the ANC garnering 51.36% of the vote.

Previously, this ward had been under the control of the IFP, who had won it during the February 2023 by-election.

However, the ANC’s return to power in Sweetwaters signals a potential rebirth of their influence in the region, which had slipped from their grasp after the IFP’s success.

The ANC’s winning candidate, Mbongweni Zuma, secured 1,602 votes, clinching the position of councillor for the Sweetwaters area.

His victory comes after a heated battle, where the MK Party secured 1,164 votes, and the IFP trailed behind with only 344 votes.

Notably, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) chose to abstain from the election, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama.

This by-election was triggered after a controversy within the IFP, which dismissed its sitting councillor, Sibusiso Ntuli, amid accusations of misconduct and unruly behavior.

The fallout from Ntuli’s ousting set the stage for the re-election, with both the IFP and MK Party eager to reassert their presence in the region.

The MK Party itself was embroiled in internal conflict, as competing factions bickered over whom to field as their candidate.

Their choices boiled down to Nkosinathi Mshengu and Sthabile Nkabinde, further muddying the waters for the party and its chances in the race.

The results from this by-election have added fuel to the fire of political speculation in South Africa, especially as the country gears up for the 2026 local government elections.

With the ANC’s victory in Sweetwaters, the party not only regained the ward but also sent a clear message about their resilience in reclaiming lost ground.

The ANC’s success in this by-election is seen as part of a broader strategy to rebuild its influence in key areas, including KZN, where their dominance has been challenged by smaller parties in recent years.

The ANC’s success is even more significant in the context of their performance in other regions. In addition to reclaiming Sweetwaters, the ANC also celebrated a triumph in the Northern Cape, where they regained control of the Hantam Municipality in Calvinia.

This region had been under the control of the Democratic Alliance (DA) after the 2021 local elections.

ANC chairperson in the Northern Cape, Zamani Saul, heralded the victory as the third municipality the party has recaptured in the last three months, showcasing their tenacity and commitment to serving the people.

These wins represent a significant shift in the political landscape, one that hints at the ANC’s enduring influence and ability to bounce back from recent setbacks.

The party’s statement following their victories in both KZN and Northern Cape emphasized their gratitude towards the voters and volunteers who supported their cause.

The ANC vowed to continue delivering on their promises, ensuring that their public representatives work with integrity and dedication.

The party also reiterated its commitment to advancing the daily needs of South Africans, signaling their readiness to face the challenges of the upcoming elections with renewed vigor.

The political ramifications of these victories are still being assessed, especially considering the competition from other parties like the DA, IFP, and the growing influence of the EFF.

The ANC’s resounding success in both KZN and the Northern Cape may mark the beginning of a new chapter for the party, as they strive to restore their influence in areas where they have seen a decline.

Whether this momentum can be sustained in the lead-up to the 2026 elections remains to be seen, but the message is clear: the ANC is not backing down.

As the country approaches the next local government elections, all political parties are preparing for what promises to be a fiercely contested race.

The ANC’s victory in these key by-elections has certainly shaken the status quo and left many questioning what the future holds for South African politics.

Will the ANC continue to dominate, or will smaller parties like the IFP, MKP, and DA present a formidable challenge to their supremacy? The next few years will be crucial in determining the direction of the country’s political future.