DA Poll Predict Major Gains in 6 Metros as ANC Faces Reported Support Decline Ahead of 2026 Election

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is reportedly making significant electoral gains in six metropolitan municipalities, while the African National Congress (ANC) is facing a sharp decline in support, according to a new opinion poll commissioned by the DA.

The reported findings could point to a changing political landscape as South African parties prepare for the 2026 local government elections. However, since the poll was commissioned by the DA itself, the results need to be considered alongside independent surveys and other electoral data.

The DA has been campaigning on issues such as improved service delivery, economic growth, job creation and accountability in local government. The reported increase in its support across six metros could boost the party’s confidence as it attempts to strengthen its position in major urban centres.

Meanwhile, the reported decline in ANC support raises questions about the party’s ability to maintain its influence in municipalities where it has traditionally enjoyed strong electoral backing.

The ANC has faced sustained criticism over unemployment, infrastructure problems, municipal financial difficulties and poor service delivery in various communities. Water shortages, electricity interruptions, deteriorating roads and concerns about local government management have also become important issues for voters.

These challenges could influence how residents vote in the upcoming elections, particularly in metropolitan areas where competition between political parties is expected to be intense.

However, the significance of the DA’s reported findings depends on several factors, including the actual support percentages, the six municipalities covered by the survey, the number of people interviewed and the methodology used. Without those details, it is difficult to determine the extent of the predicted shift.

Political party-commissioned polls can offer insight into possible electoral trends, but their findings should not automatically be treated as a prediction of the final election results.

The ANC’s electoral difficulties have become increasingly visible in recent years. In the 2024 national elections, the party lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the advent of democracy in 1994. This forced it to enter a Government of National Unity with other parties, including the DA.

Since then, the DA has continued to position itself as an alternative to the ANC, seeking to expand its support while participating in national government.

The 2026 local government elections will provide another major test for both parties. Municipal elections are particularly important because voters can directly assess the performance of local administrations on issues such as water, electricity, roads, waste collection and financial management.

For the DA, the reported gains could present an opportunity to challenge the ANC in key metropolitan areas and attract voters who are dissatisfied with existing leadership.

For the ANC, the reported figures could serve as a warning that retaining the support of traditional voters may require renewed efforts to address service delivery failures and restore public confidence.

Other political parties will also be competing for support, making the outcome difficult to predict based on a single survey.

Ultimately, the election results will depend on voter turnout, campaign performance, local issues and whether political parties can convince residents that they have practical solutions to the country’s challenges.

Although the DA-commissioned poll suggests a potentially significant shift in support across six metros, the actual extent of the DA’s gains and the ANC’s losses will only become clear through further reliable polling and the final election results.

https://x.com/News24/status/2114235579105780181

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