KNYSNA NEWS – Two big guns, the ANC and the PA, will be facing each other in Knysna’s Ward 3 by-election set for 20 August.

It is going to be a direct contest between sitting PA councillor Beauty Charlie, who lives in the ward, and the ANC’s Lukhanyiso Lohana, part of the ANC’s community structures and Youth League.

Two smaller parties, the AUF (which polled 2,37% in the 2021 local government elections) and the Land Party, a new entrant, have also fielded candidates. 

In 2021 the ANC polled 65% of the vote, while the PA got 8%.

The PA enters the by-election fray after a significant showing in the recent Ward 8 by-election, won by former Knysna mayor Aubrey Tsengwa. It made significant inroads into the ANC’s support by cutting the ANC’s majority from 72.36% in the 2021 local government elections to 52.12% in the by-election.

Balance of power

“We are pleased to share with you that Councillor Beauty Charlie will be our candidate for the by-election in Ward 3. This is her home ward and we are confident of an exceptional outcome” said PA secretary general Chinelle Stevens.

Land Party candidate Sakhiwo Vincent Malahlalana. Photo: Supplied

Ward 3 includes Nekkies and was previously represented by Speaker Mncedisi Skosana until his removal from office by Western Cape local government MEC Anton Bredell . It followed a probe into the code of conduct of councillors relating to the illegal payments to political appointees.

AUF candidate Mandlenkosi Cyprian Ndlovu. Photo: Supplied

Now the PA is stepping up its fight, part of a new strategy .

Ryan Smith, the DA’s constituency head for Knysna said the party will not contest the ward.

“Ward 3 is a safe ANC seat and will not change the balance of power in the Knysna council, so we are focusing all our resources on election 2026,” said Smith.

The EFF and KIM also said they will not contest the by-election.

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