Parties vie for crucial Cape Town ward

2012-09-19 10:21

(File, Sapa)

Cape Town - The ANC, DA and three smaller parties will contest a by-election in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, it was reported on Wednesday.

The Cape Times reported that Ward 88 was left vacant in July when African National Congress councillor Shadrack Nenzani died.

The Democratic Alliance almost made a clean sweep of wards in Mitchells Plain in 2011 local government elections.

The candidates who would fight for the 17 245 votes on Wednesday were Maxin Mantashe (ANC), Michael Pieterson (DA), Georgina Sass (National Party), Regina Marin (Community Coalition) and Bongani Maqungwana (United Democratic Movement).

ANC metro chairperson Xolani Sotashe told the newspaper the party was hoping to increase its voter support and widen the gap between it and the DA.

"We are obviously confident of retaining the seat," he said.

The DA's Grant Pascoe said he too was optimistic.

"We've spoken to a lot of people and in The Leagues and Phola Park, where there is strong ANC support, we were very well received."

- SAPA