Ward 104 councillor Bulelwa Mayende with ANC leader Muhammad Khalid Sayed following her by-election victory in Dunoon.
Image: SUPPLIED
The African National Congress (ANC) retained Ward 104 in Dunoon following a by-election held on Wednesday, March 25, conducted by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) after the resignation of the previous ward councillor.
Seven candidates contested the seat in the City of Cape Town ward, which has 18,852 registered voters.
The ANC, represented by, secured 47.30% of the vote, maintaining control of the ward it has held since the 2021 Local Government Elections, albeit with a reduced majority.
Other candidates included Zibonele Michael Caji (African Transformation Movement), Sinovuyo Miranda Dyokwe (Democratic Alliance), Mabhuti Tshitiza (Economic Freedom Fighters), Khotso Lebaleng (Organic Humanity Movement), Mxeleli Eric Mtheli (South African Communist Party) and Mehmet Vefa Dag (Truth and Solidarity Movement).
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) finished second with 29%, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) placed third with 16%, doubling its share of the vote. Voter turnout was recorded at 26.89%.
The ANC swept all eight voting districts but secured more than 50% in only two.
Its strongest performance came at Zusakhe Crèche with 60% of the vote.
The EFF delivered a strong showing across several districts, peaking at 41% at Inkwenkwezi High School.
The DA’s best result was 22% at Dunoon Primary School.
The by-election followed internal party developments, with the ANC recalling its former councillor after a loss of confidence among party members, alongside calls for her removal by alliance partner, the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO).
Speaking after her victory, Ms Mayende said the result still felt unreal.
“I am waiting for someone to pinch me because it still feels like a dream,” she said.
Ms Mayende said she has been working to improve the state of Dunoon for the past 25 years, and said challenges in the area have increased as more informal settlements mushroomed there.
She identified housing as the most pressing issue facing Dunoon, citing severe overcrowding and the urgent need for land.
She said that water and sanitation infrastructure are under strain due to population growth, with some residents lacking reliable access to water and experiencing low pressure.
"The sewer system is overloaded, as it was designed for a lesser population. Access to Water remains a challenge as some areas do not have access to water and are not getting Water Truck Tanks as they did before," she said.
On crime, Ms Mayende called for a collaborative approach involving community stakeholders and youth structures, and proposed introducing a 24-hour mobile police station in both Dunoon and Zwezwe.
"Crime needs all hands on deck, and most importantly, to involve youth structures and all stakeholders to assist the police. A mobile police station for Zwezwe is also needed for easy access and not to travel to Tableview," she said.
She also said she will be supporting the youth, adding that youth-focused interventions will be the best approach to establish their needs and get them involved, as they are the future of the community.
Another issue at the top of her "to-do" list is the electrification of the Ekupholeni informal settlement, warning that the lack of electricity poses serious risks to residents.
In 2024, the ANC recalled its Dunoon councillor, Meisie Makuwa, citing complaints about her performance from the township's branch of the SA National Civic Organisation (SANCO).
ANC leader Muhammad Khalid Sayed said: "Congratulations, Bulelwa Mayende, on a well-deserved victory. As a rooted community activist who has come through the ranks of the ANC and SANCO and is respected by the community for her unwavering service across the board, Dunoon now has a servant leader as its councillor."