The African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday celebrated its by-election victories in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, saying the outcome of the elections “unequivocally reaffirms” that the party is the “dependable choice” for voters.

The ANC won Ward 4 in the Emalahleni sub-region, under the Chris Hani district municipality in the Eastern Cape and Ward 34 in the Fetakgomo Tubatse sub-region, of the Sekhukhune district in Limpopo.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the outcomes of the by-elections were “indisputable and firm” that the ANC is stable, united and effective in delivering results.

“Our renewal project is succeeding, and the ANC remains the stable force that the people can count on. With every ward retained and every mandate renewed, the ANC recommits to intensifying service delivery, strengthening local government, and ensuring that the people's needs are always placed first,” she stated.

The results, she added, contradict claims of a decline in voter support for the party, which she says is a narrative that is “pushed by naysayers and hostile forces, including their opinion polls”.

Last month, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula said the ANC rejected what it termed “manipulative opinion polls”, after an internal Democratic Alliance (DA) poll said the ANC’s electoral support had fallen below 30% ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Mbalula dismissed the poll and others, claiming that many were funded by “neo-liberal think tanks and DA-aligned interests” that sought to show ANC support in decline.

Bhengu-Motsiri said the by-election victories were a “powerful prelude” to the ANC’s upcoming special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, which will focus on local government and the roll call of councillors.

“At this critical gathering, we will redefine the ANC agenda for service delivery, sharpen our interventions, and accelerate the pace of development in line with our renewal mandate,” she explained.

The party thanked voters in the Emalahleni and Fetakgomo Tubatse communities, as well as ANC volunteers and activists.

“Your loyalty, commitment, and participation are a testament to the fact that the ANC is not just trusted but passionately loved by the people as their movement for liberation and transformation,” she said.

The party congratulated Thembinkosi Klaas and Mahlatse Mathipa on their election victories.

“… always prioritise the needs of the people above all else,” the party advised.