In a dramatic political upset, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) has wrested control of Ward 4 in Sutherland (Karoo Hoogland) from the ANC, marking a symbolic but potentially significant shift in the Northern Cape’s political landscape. The PA secured 51% of votes in Wednesday’s by-election – a 14-point surge from its 2021 showing – while the ANC’s support dipped to 49% despite previously controlling the rural ward.
Key Takeaways from the Results:
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Turnout Spike: Voter participation jumped to 67% (from 61%), suggesting heightened political engagement
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DA Absence: The Democratic Alliance’s decision not to contest likely consolidated opposition votes behind the PA
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Regional Shift: The ANC has now lost control of 4 Northern Cape wards to smaller parties since 2021
“This isn’t just a win – it’s proof that the ANC’s rural fortress has cracks,” declared PA leader Gayton McKenzie, referencing the party’s “Reach for the Stars” campaign slogan. The victory extends the PA’s growing footprint in the Roggeveld region, where it now holds 2 of 7 municipal seats.
Political analyst Professor Susan Booysen (Wits University) notes: “The ANC’s 49% showing – its worst ever in this ward – confirms that rural voters are increasingly willing to abandon liberation movement loyalty for local issues.” The result follows months of service delivery protests in Karoo Hoogland over water shortages and infrastructure decay.
Broader Implications:
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GNU Tensions: The loss comes as ANC negotiates its Government of National Unity partnership
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2026 Preview: Signals potential for opposition coalitions to exploit ANC weaknesses in rural municipalities
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PA Strategy: Validates McKenzie’s controversial “rural-first” expansion approach
While the ANC remains the Northern Cape’s dominant party (holding 48% of council seats province-wide), Wednesday’s result suggests even its heartland wards are becoming battlegrounds. As PA activists celebrated with a braai in Sutherland’s town square, ANC regional leaders convened emergency meetings – a visible sign that South Africa’s political tremors are now reaching its remotest communities.
