The DA’s statement following their victory in the Stellenbosch Ward 9 by-election paints a picture of growing momentum and overwhelming support. But a closer look at the numbers – and what they represent – tells a more complex and, in many ways, more revealing story.
The DA won the by-election with 180 votes, but the turnout was extraordinarily low. Just 7% of registered voters cast their ballot, compared to 40% in the last municipal election.
In a ward known for high civic engagement this should raise eyebrows, not champagne glasses.
Of the 213 votes cast 180 were for the DA, 10 for the ANC and 23 were spoilt ballots, an unusually high number, and not accidental.
These represent a deliberate, organised protest against the DA-led council’s controversial plan to build a three-storey parking garage behind the historic town hall. In fact, more residents chose to spoil their ballots than vote for the ANC.
As political commentator Wayne Sussman noted, “spoilt ballots beat the ANC… a concerted effort on the part of residents to send a message to oppose a parking garage”.
In real terms this means DA support sits at 84,5% (down from 98,6% in 2019), the ANC has 4,7% and protesters – via spoilt ballots – claimed 10,8% of the vote.
The DA’s framing of a “surge in support” ignores not just a dramatic drop in turnout, but also a clear message from a segment of their own base: “We support good governance, but not at any cost, not at the cost of thoughtful urban planning, heritage preservation or democratic accountability.”
More than half the vote came from two retirement homes where residents tend to be loyal voters. Yet even there, despite generational hesitancy to spoil ballots – something many were raised never to do – some still felt compelled to protest.
The DA may still hold the seat, but it does not hold the unanimous trust it claims.
A silent protest has begun. And in the growing pile of spoilt ballots the message is clear: deliver better, or face louder opposition next time.
Teddy Hall, STELLENBOSCH
