The Wards to Watch in the Overstrand

HERMANUS – With the Democratic Alliance (DA) having announced its candidates and the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) expected to follow suit shortly, the political landscape for the November 4, 2026 local government elections is heating up. While the Land Party has already staked its claim, heavyweights like the ANC and the Patriotic Alliance have yet to show their full hands. 

Based on current developments, here are the key wards to watch:

Ward 7: Sandbaai – This is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested wards across the Overstrand.

The DA Challenge: The party will need to put in serious legwork to hold its ground.

FF Plus Growth: The FF Plus views Sandbaai as a prime growth area, and conservative support is projected to climb.

The Independent Factor: At least two independent groupings are stepping up to contest the ward, which could siphon votes away from the DA.

Ward 3: Hermanus (“The Old Money”) – Historically a predictable stronghold, this affluent ward promises a fascinating dynamic this time around.

DA Infighting: Recent internal friction could fracture the DA’s support base.

The Challengers: Regional FF Plus leader Cuan Elgin is standing in Ward 3, alongside a prominent, long-standing resident running as an independent.

Outlook: This competitive mix could just lead to an election upset.

Wards 9 & 15: Kleinmond and Fisherhaven – The sudden and unexpected departure of popular DA Speaker Grant Cohen has thrown local politics into a tailspin, leaving many questioning the party’s handling of the transition.

Ward 9: Kleinmond (Proteadorp & Sea Avenues): To fill the gap, the DA has brought in Wayne Jackson from Betty’s Bay. While well-known in his home turf, he is largely a stranger to voters in Proteadorp and Kleinmond.

Ward 15 (Greater Kleinmond above Main Road from 9^th street towards Arabella): This newly established ward features DA stalwart Arnie Africa. Again, while a familiar face in Hawston, Africa is relatively unknown to residents in the Berglane, Klein-Berlyn, and Heuningkloof in Kleinmond.

Because local elections often pivot heavily on personal reputation rather than party lines alone, navigating these shifts will demand some fancy political footwork from the DA.