DA Takes the Lead in Five Major Cities as ANC Suffers Setbacks in South Africa Elections

South Africa’s political landscape has experienced a major shift following the 2026 Local Government Elections, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) emerging as the leading party in five of the country’s eight metropolitan municipalities. Although the African National Congress (ANC) remains the largest political party nationally, its performance has raised fresh concerns about its declining influence in several major cities.

The election results show that the ANC is facing growing competition from opposition parties as voters make different political choices across the country. Despite maintaining its position as the biggest party nationally, the ANC has struggled to secure the same level of support it enjoyed in previous elections. The outcome has also created opportunities for opposition parties to strengthen their presence in local government.

The DA’s strongest performances were recorded in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Nelson Mandela Bay. However, leading in a municipality does not automatically mean controlling its council. Cape Town was the only metropolitan municipality where a party secured an outright majority, while the other seven are expected to require coalition agreements.

Meanwhile, the ANC remained the leading party in Buffalo City and Mangaung, while the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party emerged as the most popular party in eThekwini. These results demonstrate how political support is now spread across different parties, making coalition negotiations an important part of determining who will govern South Africa’s major cities.

The election outcome has placed the spotlight on the future of South African local government, with residents expecting the parties that take control to focus on service delivery, infrastructure and other community needs. As negotiations begin, the big question is whether the DA and other opposition parties can turn their electoral gains into effective municipal leadership while the ANC works to rebuild its support.

[https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dc8VL35vz/

Tiboyworld feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com