In a historic political shift, residents of Beverly Hills, a neighborhood within the predominantly black township of Evaton in South Africa, have elected a Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor for the first time, replacing the long-dominant African National Congress (ANC). This change occurred during a recent by-election in ward 28, marking a significant departure in a community that has backed the ANC since the country’s first democratic election in 1994.

Beverly Hills, located about an hour south of Johannesburg in the Gauteng province, has suffered from deteriorating infrastructure and municipal neglect, including frequent sewage leaks, uncollected rubbish, and long-standing power outages. The election of DA candidate Maki Tshabalala reflects growing frustration among residents amid allegations of corruption and local government inefficiency that led to the resignation of the previous ANC councillor, Cedric Davis.

Monica Kiwido, a 41-year-old unemployed chef who has lived on Paradise Street for many years, said she had voted for the ANC consistently but decided to support the DA this time due to dissatisfaction with the ANC’s governance. “Rather than helping us, they are helping themselves,” she said, referring to ongoing corruption scandals. Kiwido contributed to Tshabalala’s successful campaign and voiced a desire for new leadership focused on delivering basic services.

The shift in Beverly Hills forms part of a broader decline in support for the ANC, which lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in South Africa’s 2024 general election. The party’s diminished standing has been attributed to persistent corruption, economic challenges, and underperformance in public service delivery. Meanwhile, the DA has only marginally increased its share of the vote nationally and continues to struggle with breaking an electoral ceiling, particularly among poor black urban voters.

Geordin Hill-Lewis, the DA’s recently elected leader and mayor of Cape Town, acknowledged the party’s historic challenges in gaining trust within black communities, an obstacle he described as a “trust gap.” He pointed to the ANC’s long campaign to portray the DA as a party primarily representing white and business interests, which has hindered wider support. Hill-Lewis emphasized the need for the DA to establish a more visible and consistent presence in disadvantaged areas to demonstrate its commitment to effective governance.

The broader municipal context highlights the severity of local government failures in Gauteng. Emfuleni municipality, home to 825,000 people, faces debt exceeding 10 billion rand (approximately £415 million) amid widespread corruption and financial mismanagement. Adjacent Johannesburg, South Africa’s economic hub, is grappling with a 2.1 billion rand funding shortfall and critical operational deficits, raising concerns about its financial stability ahead of the November municipal elections. The DA has positioned these elections as a pivotal moment for reclaiming urban centers, with veteran leader Helen Zille leading its campaign in Johannesburg.

Hill-Lewis pointed to Cape Town, the DA’s stronghold, as proof of the party’s ability to govern effectively, but acknowledged persistent inequalities rooted in the apartheid era. He stressed the importance of delivering tangible improvements in communities like Beverly Hills to convince voters that the DA can provide better management and services.

Remaining as Cape Town mayor instead of joining the national coalition cabinet, Hill-Lewis intends to maintain independent oversight of the ruling African National Congress administration headed by President Cyril Ramaphosa. He believes this positioning will allow him greater freedom to critique government shortcomings while continuing efforts to expand the DA’s reach.

For many residents in Beverly Hills, including Kiwido, the election represents a chance for change. She expressed hope that the new DA leadership would translate promises into improved living conditions. “It’s time for new faces and those who will do their jobs,” she said.