Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Ward 5 is once again in the hands of the DA after a by-election victory last night, Wednesday 21 August, with the new councillor Hilton Stroebel expected to be sworn into council soon.

With 40.52% of the votes, the DA beat its contenders and retains the seat it won in 2016 after securing 74.31% votes at the time.

There was a 58.83% voter turnout for the by-elections with 2 367 votes cast, and the DA received 959 votes, KIM received 583 votes, PBI received 511 votes, ANC received 307 votes, and the EFF received seven votes.

The ward became vacant after former mayor and councillor Eleanore Bouw-Spies left Knysna municipality for parliament.

DA Western Cape provincial leader Bonginkosi Madikizela issued a statement today congratulating Stroebel. In the statement he said, “We are humbled by the support we received in Knysna, despite the many challenges we are facing in that municipality. I believe that this win for the DA, shows that the majority of Knysna residents have faith in us and we must focus on addressing the challenges.”

Madikizela went on to thank the campaign teams in Knysna and Khayelitsha for their hard work and dedication.

“We will continue to build one South Africa for all,” concluded the statement.

Read a previous article: DA holds onto Ward 5

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