The Democratic Alliance (DA) maintained its overall dominance across the Helderberg following the 2026 Local Government Election (LGE), although notable leadership transitions and shifting boundaries marked a dynamic contest across the area’s eight municipal wards.

Voter turnout across the basin varied significantly, with strong engagement recorded in suburban strongholds such as Ward 90 (71,3%) and Ward 15 (71,2%), compared to lower turnouts in Ward 109 (45,7%) and Ward 85 (46,6%).

Election results

Ward 15: Stuart Pringle secured another term for the DA, with the ward demonstrating robust voter turnout at 71,2%.

Ward 83: Veteran councillor Carl Punt (DA) confirmed his return to office for a third consecutive term, backed by a strong 69,2% voter turnout.

Ward 84: In a smooth succession for the DA, Pieter Janse van Rensburg takes over from outgoing councillor Norman McFarlane, securing 76,9% of the vote.

Ward 85: In one of the most closely watched battles in Strand and Nomzamo, Sitembile Mfecane of the African National Congress (ANC) claimed victory, stepping in following the departure of former DA Alderman Chantal Cerfontein.

Ward 86: Incumbent ANC councillor Xolani Dinisi successfully retained his ward covering parts of Lwandle and Nomzamo.

Ward 90: In the newly established ward boundary created before the elections, Colleen Mes (DA) won comfortably with 86,8% of the ward vote.

Ward 100: Wade Skriker (DA) took over in Gordon’s Bay from former councillor Sean Stacey with 67,3% of the vote.

Ward 109: Incumbent councillor Peter Helfrich (DA) was re-elected in Macassar, winning the ward with 64,8% of the vote.

In addition to ward representatives, PR councillors from the region will include Cerfontein, Stacey and McFarlane.

Candidate priorities

Stuart Pringle (Ward 15): Drawing on his past five years of experience as Subcouncil 5 chairperson, Pringle expressed enthusiasm to reinvest those lessons into Ward 15.

“It was a privilege to serve as PR councillor and chairperson of Subcouncil 5 over the past five years, and my experience and the lessons learnt will be put to good use in service to the residents of Ward 15.”

Carl Punt (Ward 83): Highlighting a competitive race with 42 candidates, Punt noted that multi-million-rand projects and festive season planning remained on track. Residents can contact him on 083 453 1207 or carl.punt@capetown.gov.za.

“The election is now finished and the work needs to go on,” he said.

Pieter Janse van Rensburg (Ward 84): He pledged to focus on making the ward safer, cleaner and ensuring reliable municipal services for all.

“I feel incredibly honoured and humbled to have been elected. I am truly grateful to every resident who contributed to this victory. The hard work begins now! I am here to serve every resident, regardless of who you voted for. I look forward to working alongside our community to take Ward 84 forward.”

Sitembile Mfecane (Ward 85): Returning to office since 2021, Mfecane stated his primary focus is delivering basic services to neglected informal settlements and remaining accessible to all residents.

“I want to thank all voters who participated in the election. Even if they didn’t vote for me, I will serve them in Ward 85. I am available, willing to engage and assist every single person in the ward.”

Xolani Diniso (Ward 86): Expressed deep gratitude to community elders, volunteers and local businesses, committing to unity, service and basic service delivery. “I remain committed to working hand in hand with the community and ensuring that we continue striving to deliver the basic services our people deserve.”

Wade Skriker (Ward 100): Celebrated a strong growth in voter mandate, adding more than 3 200 votes since 2021 to secure 8 255 total votes. “I would like to assure the voters of Ward 100 I will do my very best to represent their interests and that their votes mattered.”

Colleen Mes (Ward 90): She emphasised integrity, open communication via WhatsApp and newsletters, and accessible service delivery.

“I will continue to work tirelessly to fulfil my role as a public servant. Integrity and a strong work ethic will be front and centre of my work as ward councillor.”

Peter Helfrich (Ward 109): Expressed deep gratitude for being re-elected to serve his home community, committing to build on the progress made during his previous term.

“I am deeply honoured to be re-elected to serve Ward 109, my home and where I am raising my family. I remain committed to serving every resident regardless of how they voted.”