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 party is contesting 105 municipalities and believes coalitions will be necessary in many of them. This development could significantly impact the local governance landscape.
ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont attributes the party's success to its growing momentum in several wards, including significant inroads in areas previously dominated by the ANC. The ANC currently sits at 21.9%. Beaumont notes that ActionSA has already taken 12 wards from the ANC in Tshwane, including every ward in Atteridgeville except one. The party's results in places like Mamelodi and Soshanguve are now exceeding 50%.
Beaumont expresses confidence in ActionSA's leadership, stating that residents are responding positively to the track record and leadership of Dr Nasiphi Moya. He adds that the party narrowly missed out on winning a ward in Bronkhorstspruit. With coalition governments expected to remain a feature of local politics, Beaumont says discussions about possible partnerships have already begun.
ActionSA is willing to engage with all political parties, provided there is a commitment to service delivery, stable governance, and a serious fight against corruption. The party's strategy could lead to significant collaborations in the future. Meanwhile, 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 attributes the party's performance to years of preparation and growing support across communities. He notes that the DA has seen significant growth in Emfuleni, winning more than 10 wards, compared to only one ANC ward in a by-election previously. This growth indicates a shift in local support.
Msimanga also reports that the DA has gained ground in Midvaal and parts of Johannesburg, while its support in township communities continues to grow. The party now has more than one million black township voters and intends to build on that support as it looks ahead to the 2029 elections. This development could have implications for future national and provincial elections.
As the local government elections continue, ActionSA and other parties will likely focus on consolidating their gains and forming strategic alliances. The outcome of these elections will shape the governance landscape in various municipalities and could influence the trajectory of South African politics in the years to come.
Key points
- ActionSA is gaining ground in Tshwane and other municipalities, with a focus on forming coalitions to enhance its influence.
- The DA is leading in Emfuleni and has gained ground in Midvaal and parts of Johannesburg, driven by growing support across communities.
- Coalition governments are expected to remain a feature of local politics, with parties engaging in discussions about possible partnerships.
