The African National Congress (ANC) walloped the Democratic Alliance (DA) by a huge margin in a by-election in eThekwini's Ward 9 – an outcome that the ruling party believes is an indication that it's not on a downward spiral.

The ward encompasses Forest Hills, Waterfall and other areas.

It became up for grabs when DA councillor Pearl Msomi died in July after falling ill.

ANC candidate Siyabonga "Mjo" Nala romped to victory with 6 712 votes compared to the DA's 2 587.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) received 127 votes and the Africa Restoration Alliance only bagged 17.

The Inkatha Freedom Party received no votes.

"We feel very humbled by the people of eThekwini. We feel vindicated that it's not true that we're in a downward trend. The majority of the people still have significant support for the ANC," Provincial ANC secretary Bheki Mtolo told News24.

Mtolo said the party put 500 volunteers in the ward daily.

"We also gave [the ward] a very good candidate," he said.

The DA's uMngeni mayor, Christopher Pappas, who is contesting the ANC for the premier position on the 2024 elections provincial ballot, campaigned for his party in the ward.

Mtolo took a swipe at the premier hopeful.

"Pappas was roundly rejected. He was holding empty meetings in empty tents [in his campaign]. He became even shorter in those meetings," Mtolo said.

In a statement, Mtolo said: "Clearly, the ANC has cocked a snook at the multi-party charter by overwhelmingly trouncing them in what should be seen as a dress rehearsal for the 2024 provincial and national elections."