By-elections come and go. They’re also hyper-localised. Taken together, this makes it rare for any single such poll to paint an accurate picture of how the votes will fall at national level. But it could be illuminating when it comes to voter opinions on the broader political landscape. On coalitions, for example.

That’s why next week’s poll in Joburg’s ward 7 will be a treat for political observers. And why parties, the FM understands, are “throwing the kitchen sink” at the election. ..

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