GEORGE NEWS - The by-elections in wards 17 and 27 - covering Conville and parts of Pacaltsdorp - will take place on 21 January.

These positions on the George Council were left vacant when two DA ward councillors, Marchell Kleynhans and Brendon Adams, resigned from the party within days of each other to join the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

With the DA now in the minority, many are watching closely to see what happens next. Neither the DA nor the opposition currently holds the 28 seats needed for a majority in council. The opposition block counts 27 seats, while the DA has 25, plus one from its coalition partner, the ACDP.

This fragile balance could make it easier to stall or frustrate council decisions, as 28 councillors are required for a quorum.

However, George Herald has it on good authority that the situation may soon change. Sources say there is talk that the DA is in discussions with the FF Plus - and possibly the PBI - about forming a new coalition, which could secure their position in council. Apparently these talks are taking place at a national level.

For now, nothing has changed since last week, and those in the know are keeping tight-lipped.

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