After the 2026 local government elections, Winburg, a town that consists of more than 10 000 people, still falls under the rule of the African National Congress (ANC) with 37.43 % and seven seats.

However, the Democratic Alliance (DA), the ANC’s official opponent in Masilonyana, now has two extra seats, four ward councillors and two PR councillors.

Residents claim that they are looking forward to the future and hope that change will happen.

Winburg residents have experienced a lack of water for more than five months and are complaining about a high unemployment rate.

They say they are optimistic the future might be more productive for the small town.  For months now, Winburg residents have been without water and claim that the water tanks pass disadvantaged communities.

Some residents say they are really excited about their future now that the Democratic Alliance (DA) has won another ward.

“I am positive and if the parties can work together and form a coalition and have more say then I believe we will see a change, “says one of the residents.

Another resident adds, “I am happy that the Zulu section has now been won by DA, I just hope that they will also keep their promises and help us with jobs.”

The incoming ward councillor, Emily Malunda, who took one of the wards from the ANC, says she will not oversell herself but will do the best she can since she is also a child of Winburg.

“The future will be better than before because I am a young person that’s in control of a ward knowing very well their challenges. Ward five is going to move forward, little by little.”

Political analyst, Sethulego Matebesi, says although the results are a mess especially with 14 out of 19 hung councils, it is a beautiful mess for the residents who voted and sent out a message that they need change.

“Even in Masilonyana, you get the same pattern of bickering and factionalism. I believe this also gave the Democratic Alliance and other smaller parties an opportunity to reach out to voters and convince them.”

Mathebesi also stipulates that 14 out of 19 hung municipalities is a huge loss for the ANC and that the party will learn to start to respect the voters. –Report by  Abigail Visagie