South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Election results are pointing to a significant political shift, with the African National Congress (ANC) losing support as the Democratic Alliance (DA) strengthens its position across several major municipalities.
According to the latest available figures from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), approximately 66% of voting districts had been counted by early Friday, 6 November. The ANC was leading nationally with 31.7% of the vote, followed by the DA at 25.1%.
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party was in third position with 8.6%, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) had 6.1%. ActionSA followed with approximately 4.7%.
The results represent a major decline for the ANC compared with the 2021 local government elections, when it secured 45.6% of the national vote. The DA, meanwhile, has improved on its previous performance of 21.7%.
Major Cities Reflect Changing Political Support
In Johannesburg, the DA was leading with approximately 40.7% of the votes counted, followed by the ANC and ActionSA.
The DA was also ahead in Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Cape Town, while the MK Party was leading in eThekwini, reflecting its growing influence in KwaZulu-Natal.
In Nelson Mandela Bay, the DA was also ahead, while the ANC maintained the lead in Buffalo City.
However, counting remains incomplete in several municipalities, meaning these figures could still change.
Coalition Governments Expected In Several Municipalities
With no single party expected to secure outright majorities in several major municipalities, coalition negotiations are likely to play an important role in determining who governs South Africa’s cities.
The results also highlight growing voter dissatisfaction with service delivery challenges, including water shortages, electricity disruptions, unemployment, crime and poor municipal infrastructure.
The 2026 elections are being closely watched as a reflection of changing political loyalties ahead of the next national elections.
The IEC is continuing to process the remaining votes, with the final results and allocation of municipal council seats expected to provide a clearer picture of South Africa’s political future.
Main image: Mail and Guardian
