ActionSA is encouraged by early local government election results in Gauteng, particularly in the City of Tshwane, where it appears to be strengthening its position. By lunchtime on Thursday, the DA led in Tshwane with 30.6% of the vote, while ActionSA was second at 22.8%. The ANC currently sits at 21.9%. ActionSA's performance has been impressive, with significant gains in areas previously dominated by the ANC.
ActionSA national spokesperson Michael Beaumont attributed the party's success to its growing momentum in several wards. The party has made significant inroads in areas such as Atteridgeville, Mamelodi, and Soshanguve. In Atteridgeville, ActionSA has taken 12 wards from the ANC, including every ward except one. The party's results in Mamelodi and Soshanguve have exceeded 50%.
Beaumont expressed confidence that ActionSA would become the second-largest party in Tshwane. He credited the party's success to the track record and leadership of Dr. Nasiphi Moya. The party narrowly missed out on winning a ward in Bronkhorstspruit. Beaumont emphasized that ActionSA was willing to engage with all political parties to form coalitions, provided they were committed to service delivery, stable governance, and fighting corruption.
With coalition governments expected to remain a feature of local politics, Beaumont revealed that discussions about possible partnerships had already begun. ActionSA is contesting 105 municipalities and believes coalitions will be necessary in many of them. The party is open to engaging with all political parties that share its commitment to service delivery and good governance.
In Emfuleni, the DA was leading with 55.6% of the vote, followed by the VF Plus on 17.5%, while the ANC trailed in third place. DA federal chairperson Solly Msimanga attributed the party's performance to years of preparation and growing support across communities. The DA has seen significant growth in Emfuleni, winning more than 10 wards.
Msimanga highlighted the DA's growing support in township communities, with over one million black township voters. The party intends to build on this support as it looks ahead to the 2029 elections. The DA has also gained ground in Midvaal and parts of Johannesburg. Msimanga expressed confidence in the party's ability to continue growing its support.
As the local government elections continue, ActionSA and the DA are likely to play key roles in shaping the future of local politics in South Africa. With coalition governments expected to remain a feature of local politics, the parties' willingness to engage with each other will be crucial in determining the outcome of the elections.
Key points
- ActionSA is gaining ground in Tshwane and is likely to become the second-largest party.
- The party is open to forming coalitions with other parties that share its commitment to service delivery and good governance.
- The DA has seen significant growth in Emfuleni and is building on its support in township communities.
