The Democratic Alliance (DA) narrowly retained Ward 57 in Centurion in a by-election following the passing of councillor David Farquharson last year. However, the victory has sparked controversy, with allegations that the party used racially charged messaging to influence white voters.
During a heated City of Tshwane Council meeting on Thursday, Freedom Front Plus (FFPLUS) councillors accused the DA of resorting to fear-mongering tactics, citing messages sent on voting day that suggested “inferiors” could take control if white residents did not vote. FFPLUS councillor Mark Surgeon condemned the texts, saying they exploited racial insecurities and violated the principles of fair campaigning.
“The Freedom Front Plus ran a campaign based on ethical principles and merit,” said Surgeon. “The DA, however, sent SMS messages and WhatsApp posts designed to scare voters along racial lines. This is unacceptable.”
The by-election results showed a strong performance by FFPLUS, which won two of the three voting districts in the ward and increased its overall vote share by 28 percent. Despite this, DA councillor Jack Page was sworn in as the new representative for Ward 57.
EFF councillor and MMC for Environment Obakeng Ramabodu called the allegations “serious” and urged the ANC and the IEC to investigate potential misconduct, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in local elections.
The DA has provided conflicting responses. DA MP and voting station captain Adrian Roos described the messages as part of normal campaigning, while DA mayoral candidate Celliers Brink challenged FFPLUS to produce evidence of wrongdoing.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in South African politics over race, electoral ethics, and the growing influence of FFPLUS as a competitor in historically DA-dominated areas.