PA wins Wards 17 and 27 by-elections, DA coalition retains control of George Council

GEORGE NEWS - The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has emerged victorious in both Ward 17 and Ward 27 following a closely contested by-election in George, marking a significant political shift in Conville, Rosemoor and Pacaltsdorp.

Raphael Goeieman will be the new councillor for Ward 17, which includes Conville and parts of Rosemoor, while Marchell Kleynhans secured the seat in Ward 27, covering Pacaltsdorp. The results signal growing support for the PA in traditionally competitive wards.

Despite the outcome, the DA-led coalition remains in control of the George Council and continues to hold a majority, meaning the overall balance of power in council remains unchanged.

PA regional leader Derick Petersen described the results as a clear vote of confidence from local communities. “The Patriotic Alliance can state unequivocally that the community has entrusted us with their votes. Our growth as a party can no longer be argued away or denied,” Petersen said.

PA regional leader Derick Petersen described the results as a clear vote of confidence from local communities. Photo: Supplied

He credited the party’s national leadership and campaign strategy for the breakthrough.

“Under the leadership of Gayton McKenzie, a strategist of note, and the phenomenal team around him, the PA has proven that clear vision, discipline and a strong community focus deliver results,” he said.

“The message from the community is clear: equality, service delivery for all, and a new direction.”

He said the party was “ecstatic” about winning both by-elections, calling it a warning to the DA. “The community has stood up. Coloured communities deserve better and are entitled to better service delivery. If this pattern continues, the DA risks becoming an opposition party and losing its support base dramatically,” Petersen said.

The PA thanked voters, volunteers and the broader community for their support.

Word from the DA

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance acknowledged the results while thanking its supporters in George for their continued backing.

In a statement, DA Western Cape leader Tertuis Simmers expressed appreciation to voters who supported the party despite what he described as a difficult campaign. “Thank you to every voter who, despite relentless misinformation and deception, chose truth, values and good governance by voting for the Democratic Alliance,” Simmers said.

While conceding the wards, Simmers emphasised that the party remained committed to residents. “While the outcome of these wards was not what we hoped for, your courage and commitment do not go unnoticed. Democracy is strengthened by citizens who think critically and vote with conscience,” he said.

Quoting Winston Churchill, Simmers added: “‘Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.’ This is not the end of the journey. It is part of it.”

With one more by-election still to come in Ward 16 on 11 February, all eyes will remain on George as parties continue to test their support ahead of future local government contests.

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