The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Thursday said it had “triumphed in yesterday’s by-election in Beaufort West’s Ward 7, retaining the ward and ensuring DA-led governance continues in the municipality”.

“Voters in the Ward 7 by-election came out in their numbers to endorse the DA, growing our support from 46,8% in 2016 to 56,9% in the ward yesterday,” said Bonginkosi Madikizela, DA Western Cape acting leader

He said the victory was an endorsement of the DA’s brand of good governance, adding “voters recognise that only the DA continues to deliver better services, cuts corruption and creates jobs”.

Madikizela said 660 more voters in this ward chose to vote DA compared to the last poll in 2016.

“This surge in support for the DA is very encouraging.”