Patricia de Lille’s Independent Democrats has won its first municipal by-election since the party was established two years ago.
The ID snatched the seat in Vryburg in the North West province from the African National Congress, which won it in the general municipal election in 2000. The Democratic Alliance came in third place this time.
The ID’s Elis Renoster received 753 votes (53,9%) to the ANC’s 587 (42%). The DA trailed with just 56 votes, or 4%.
ID secretary general Avril Harding said the results are an indication that the ID’s preparation for the coming local government elections are ”well on track” and that the party has the capability to take on both the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance in its heartlands.
In 2000, the ANC received 57,8%, the United Christian Democratic Party 28% and the Democratic Alliance 13,9%. — I-Net Bridge