ActionSA has defended its decision not to contest three recent by-elections in the City of Tshwane, citing financial constraints as the reason for this.
The party has reportedly not participated in by-elections in the city since November 2023, opting instead to conserve resources for the 2026 local government election campaign.
ActionSA abstained from taking part in the two by-elections contested in Tshwane on Wednesday in wards 44 and 98, prompting Brink to criticise the party “which currently holds the mayoral position in the city” for failing to participate.
Brink also suggested that many former ActionSA voters in Ward 98, Pretoria North, have switched their allegiance to the DA.
In response, ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont said: “ActionSA is not as well funded with public monies as the DA is and has therefore taken a view to limit by-election contestation in favour of mounting a local government election campaign.”
He also pointed out that the DA seems to follow a similar strategy by not contesting by-elections in townships, where ActionSA could potentially make significant gains.
He further accused Brink of being fixated on ActionSA, possibly due to his record as a failed mayor being exposed.
He dismissed the claim that ActionSA voters are switching to the DA, citing the record-low voter turnout in both by-elections as evidence to the contrary.
The DA, however, celebrated its victories in the two by-elections, with Brink saying that the results boost the party’s confidence ahead of the 2026 local government election.
He said the DA’s vote share grew significantly in both wards, with Ward 98 seeing an increase from 37.5% in the 2024 National and Provincial Election to 72.77% in 2025, and Ward 44 growing from 74.3% to 88.07% over the same period.
“We do not take a single vote for granted, and will continue our work as an effective opposition to the ANC coalition in Tshwane,” he said.
The DA candidates, Samantha de la Rey for Ward 44 and Mickey van der Westhuizen for Ward 98, emerged victorious after facing off against candidates from the EFF and the ANC.
Brink said the focus is now on ensuring that the party’s newly elected councillors serve their communities with dedication and excellence.
The DA secured another win last month, retaining Ward 56 in Pretoria East during a by-election.
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za
