Archive post. Issued by SAMNET on 20 October 2025 and published here as part of SAMNET’s advocacy archive.
Margins in election victories are shrinking — particularly as fewer new voters register and fewer of those registered turn out.
Many wards are now won by fewer than 500 votes. That is roughly 150 voting households.
The October 2025 by-elections
- Ward 29, Diepkloof/Noordgesig, Johannesburg — the PA beat the ANC by 454 votes.
- Ward 4, Bonnievale/Happy Valley, Langeberg — the ANC beat the DA by 465 votes.
- Ward 6, Railton, Swellendam — the PA beat the ANC by 325 votes.
- Ward 7, Mokgola, Ramotshere Moiloa, North West — decided by two votes.
Two votes. One household, or one person who stayed home and one who did not.
What follows from it
SAMNET calls for greater effort in registering voters, educating them about the candidates and parties standing in their own ward, and motivating them to turn out.
Registration, education and participation have to be ongoing — not something taken up at election time, and not something taken up only when a personal grievance surfaces.
PA shocks ANC in Soweto and Swellendam; ActionSA notches historic ward win in North West — Daily Maverick, 16 October 2025.
Contact SAMNET on info@samnet.co.za or WhatsApp 084 333 3979.
Related
Why Registering for the Local Government Elections Is Critical · Voter Registration at Orient Islamic School · Prepare and Participate in the Municipal By-Elections
Shared by the South African Muslim Network (SAMNET) in the interest of increased awareness and participation in our elections.
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