While many Johannesburg wards remained in the hands of political parties that previously ran them before the local government elections, some wards were snatched from them.
This was evident by the time counting of votes drew to an end on Wednesday.
The factors leading to the change of guard in some wards were ultimately aligned with lack of service delivery.
In Ennerdale, ward 7, the ANC managed to wrest control from the DA.
Former councillor Danny Netnow said the dynamics that led to his party losing the elections in the ward could be directly linked to the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA's) presence in his community.
“The ANC won this ward because PA ate away a huge fraction of coloured voters. The ANC’s votes remained almost the same, but our votes decreased compared to the previous elections,” said Netnow.
The DA had a lousy showing and it was evident in the results on display on the Electoral Commission of SA’s website by 4pm on Wednesday.
The ANC had garnered 41.3% of votes in the ward, while the PA garnered 27.82% and the DA sat on 10%.
Maureen Jacobs said the PA had their interests at heart and she could identify with the party’s manifesto.
“The DA is for white people, the ANC for black people. Those two parties don’t care about coloured people and I think they would have done well if they won this ward,” said Jacobs.
In Eldorado Park, ward 18, which comprises extensions 1 to 8, the PA managed to wrestle power from the DA as it was ahead with 55.14% of votes by 4pm on Wednesday.
Anthony Malambo said the DA’s failure to support small businesses and failure to render services to the community fuelled his decision to vote for the PA.
“We have these nyaope boys stealing manholes and they are never replaced. I thought maybe voting someone else into power and giving them an opportunity will make a difference,” said Malambo.
ActionSA was taking the lead in ward 125, which is made of Ormonde View, Meredale, Diepkloof Extension, Mogase View, Kibler Park and Diepkloof Hostel, among other areas.
ActionSA, which is led by Herman Mashaba, had garnered 31.64% votes, followed by the DA with 28.85% and ANC with 21.46%.
ActionSA has also made its mark in ward 112 as it was leading with 30.65% of the vote, while the DA had 30.28% and ANC 19.79%.
Anthony Mamewana, 54, of Ormonde View, said they had hoped that ActionSA would sort out the rates and tax issues in the area.
“We are paying abnormal prices for rates and taxes. I am owing about R250,000. People are now putting their trust on Mashaba because they have seen his performance,” he said.
Maswazi Mkhize, 77, from Diepkloof Extension, said: “You can't keep on voting for the party that does not bring change. The recreational parks have been neglected. I had to clean this one next to my house. We hope that Mashaba will keep to his promises.”
Margaret Mazibuko, 65, of Zone 5 in Diepkloof, said she changed her vote because of electricity problems in the area.
“It was worse in April, May, June and July. I have hope in Mashaba because I saw him giving employment to thousands of security workers. I hope he will do the same for our children who are unemployed,” she said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.