ANC loses control in Mpumalanga as coalitions loom

The African National Congress (ANC) in Mpumalanga has lost control of several municipalities, necessitating coalition talks to govern in 13 areas. The party secured only three outright wins in the province, with the remaining municipalities requiring partnerships to form a majority. This development marks a significant shift in the province's political landscape, with the ANC's support dropping to 43.6% in the 2026 elections, a substantial decline from 58% in the 2021 local government elections.

The ANC lost control of Victor Khanye local municipality to the Service Delivery Party (SDP), led by former ANC Youth League provincial treasurer Thabo Motau and former MEC Mandla Msibi. The SDP, a 10-month-old party, secured a majority in the municipality, ending ANC control. Additionally, the MK Party took the lead in Mkhondo municipality, while the ANC lost control of Mbombela, the province's capital. The only municipalities where the ANC won outright were Chief Albert Luthuli, Nkomazi, and Bushbuckridge.

Residents in Delmas, where the SDP garnered 39.53% of the votes, expressed satisfaction with the party's promise to address their concerns. Themba Mtsweni, a resident, stated that the SDP had employed people in Motau's companies and sent some to school, demonstrating their commitment to service delivery. Mtsweni believed that the SDP would fix employment and provide reliable water, which the ANC had failed to deliver for years.

In Mkhondo, the MK Party's elections manager, Siphiwe Mathebula, indicated that they are unwilling to work with the ANC, citing a betrayal of their voters. Mathebula stated that they are open to coalition talks with other parties but would not compromise their principles. The MK Party's stance reflects a broader sentiment among residents, who expect new leaders to deliver on their promises.

The SDP spokesperson, Fukie Mofokeng, confirmed that they are open to coalition talks with any party willing to work towards delivering services to the people. Mofokeng emphasized that the SDP's goal is to serve the community, not to lead for its own sake. This approach may pave the way for collaborations with other parties, including the ANC, in Victor Khanye municipality.

University of Mpumalanga's Rasodi Manyaka attributed the ANC's decline in support to poor service delivery, corruption, and the party's failure to disclose mayoral candidates. Manyaka noted that the emergence of new parties, such as MK, ActionSA, and SDP, has disrupted the traditional ANC strongholds in Mpumalanga and other provinces.

ANC provincial secretary Muzi Chirwa stated that the party will be guided by the national executive committee on coalition talks. Chirwa emphasized that the ANC will engage with all parties to determine the best course of action in favor of community development. The ANC's approach to coalition talks will likely shape the province's governance in the coming years.

Key points

• ANC's support in Mpumalanga dropped to 43.6% in 2026, necessitating coalitions in 13 municipalities.
• SDP and MK Party gained significant ground in Mpumalanga, winning control of several municipalities.
• ANC's decline in Mpumalanga attributed to poor service delivery, corruption, and failure to disclose mayoral candidates.