With the crucial Ward 110 by-election just days away, political tensions are rising as the Democratic Alliance (DA) makes a final push to secure voter support, framing the contest as a defining moment for the community.
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, joined DA candidate Rowena Bosman at the First Baptist Church in Cordgate Gardens on Sunday, where the party received vocal backing from community members, including long-serving Pastor Joseph Naidoo. The event aimed to galvanise local support and consolidate votes in a ward seen as pivotal in the battle for control within the hung eThekwini Municipality.
Macpherson did not mince his words, warning residents against what he described as “false prophets” and smaller parties that, he claimed, risk splitting the vote and handing power to less capable governance. “A split vote is a wasted vote,” Macpherson said. “This by-election is about keeping the MK Party out of Ward 110… You live with the consequences of poor governance every day.”
He positioned the DA as the only party with the access and capacity to bring about change, claiming it has direct lines to national and provincial leadership. The Minister also questioned the intentions of rival political hopefuls, accusing them of misusing campaign funds and misleading the community.
Ward 110, which includes parts of Phoenix such as Southgate and Rainham, has historically been a contested area, with voter sentiment split among multiple parties. The DA currently holds several wards in the area and is aiming to expand its influence to gain a stronger foothold in eThekwini’s fractured council.
Councillor Bradley Singh echoed Macpherson’s concerns, cautioning against political opportunists. “Some individuals sell themselves to the highest bidder,” he said, in reference to shifting political allegiances. He emphasised that electing more DA councillors was key to “real change.”
The rally also highlighted growing involvement from faith leaders in local politics, with Pastor Naidoo publicly endorsing Bosman and calling on the community to unite behind the DA. While such endorsements are not uncommon, they often stir debate about the boundaries between faith and political engagement.
Opposition parties have yet to respond publicly to the DA’s remarks, but political analysts suggest the rhetoric points to an increasingly high-stakes contest, particularly as the ward sits within a metro grappling with service delivery issues, infrastructure decay, and political instability.
The by-election, scheduled for Wednesday, 16 April, will test whether the DA’s message of unity and improved governance resonates more strongly than the diverse appeals of smaller parties and newer political movements such as the MK Party. For many residents, the outcome could influence not only the future of Ward 110, but also the broader balance of power in eThekwini.
Residents are reminded that the power to bring about real, tangible change lies in their hands. By turning out to vote on Wednesday, 16 April, they will have the opportunity to shape the future of Ward 110 and send a clear message about the quality of governance and service delivery they expect in their communities.
