Thu Sep 12 00:37:00 UTC 2024: ## DA Gains Ground in KZN By-elections, Signaling Potential 2026 Shift
**Durban, South Africa:** The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed strong satisfaction with the results of recent by-elections in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), citing the party’s growing support as a positive indicator for the 2026 national elections.
The DA contested a total of six wards across the province, achieving notable victories in Ethekwini Municipality. In Ward 33, support for the DA surged from 39% to 80%, while in Ward 35, the party’s vote share increased from 80% to 91%. The DA also secured overwhelming majorities in the Kwadukuza and Mdoni local municipalities.
“These results demonstrate the trust voters place in our ward councillors,” said DA KZN leader Francois Rodgers. “They trust us to hold the municipality accountable and to deliver essential services. This is a clear signal that we are on the right track and that voters are ready for a change in 2026.”
Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe party secured a ward victory in the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality, taking it from the ruling African National Congress (ANC). The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) successfully retained their ward in the Nkandla Local Municipality.
The DA’s strong performance in the by-elections points to a growing dissatisfaction with the ANC’s performance and a potential shift in voter sentiment towards the DA in the lead up to the 2026 elections.
First Piper 