Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspaper
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has secured a clean sweep of all eight wards in Mitchells Plain in the 2026 Local Government Elections, with party leaders thanking residents for renewing their confidence while warning councillors that the victory must translate into faster service delivery and safer communities.
The party emerged victorious in wards 43, 75, 76, 78, 79, 81, 82 and 116 following the November 4, 2026, elections, reaffirming its political stronghold in the area.
Reported election figures showed the DA securing 56.2% of the ward vote in Ward 75, 40.5% in Ward 76 and 59.3% in Ward 79.
DA leader in Mitchells Plain Ricardo McKenzie said the election results indicated that residents had once again placed their trust in the party.
"We're very excited, we're over the moon, and we want to thank the people of Mitchells Plain for putting their faith in the DA," McKenzie said.
He thanked outgoing councillors for their service and welcomed newly elected and returning representatives, urging them to prioritise residents' concerns.
"We know our councillors work hard, but now we need to work harder and faster."
Councillors urged to improve service delivery
McKenzie said the party could not afford to become complacent following its electoral success, particularly where communities continued to raise concerns about municipal services.
"So, we want to thank the residents for giving us another chance, and all councilors in Mitchells Plain that has been elected and re-elected must deliver services with a fierce sense of urgency because that's what people have asked for."
Ward 75 councillor Joan Woodman, who secured 56.2% of the vote, said she was deeply honoured and humbled by her re-election and welcomed being held accountable by residents.
"The Democratic Alliance won Ward 75 with 56.2% of the vote, a clear mandate from the voters, and a mandate I do not take lightly."
Woodman said she would serve all residents, regardless of their political affiliation.
"I remain fully committed to serve. I will continue the mandate given to me by the voters, and I welcome being held accountable by the very people who elected me. Accountability is not something I fear, it is something I embrace."
She identified clean and well-maintained neighbourhoods, reliable service delivery, community safety and protecting vulnerable residents as priorities for her five-year term.
Woodman also committed herself to transparent leadership, promising to listen to residents and remain accessible to the community.
DA constituency head Ian Cameron said the continued support provided an opportunity to strengthen existing work, particularly around crime prevention.
"The strong support the DA continues to enjoy in Mitchells Plain gives us an even stronger foundation to build on the work already being done in the community."
Cameron, who oversees Tafelsig, Rocklands and Strandfontein, described Mitchells Plain residents as resilient, outspoken and passionate about their neighbourhoods.
Safety remains a key priority
He said community safety would remain among his biggest priorities, including expanding the City's Law Enforcement and Metro Police capacity.
Cameron also advocated legislative changes allowing properly trained municipal and provincial law enforcement officers to investigate certain crimes.
"We cannot continue expecting an overstretched SAPS to carry the entire burden when there are capable local structures that could do significantly more."
He criticised smaller political parties for allegedly creating the impression that the DA controlled policing operations at local SAPS stations.
Cameron stressed that SAPS staffing, resources and operational management remained national government responsibilities, while the City could strengthen its own enforcement structures and community safety partnerships.
"People in Mitchells Plain are not easily fooled by political noise. They know the challenges in their communities and they want practical solutions."
He said the priority was now to work alongside ward councillors, community organisations and activists to address safety, service delivery and other everyday concerns.