The Democratic Alliance (DA) has made significant gains in Johannesburg, with provisional results indicating that the party is expected to win 79.4% of the vote in Hyde Park's Ward 90. This ward is notable for being the home of President Cyril Ramaphosa and EFF leader Julius Malema. In contrast, the African National Congress (ANC) secured 4.6% of votes cast, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) obtained 2.3%. These results are part of the 2026 local elections, which have seen a high turnout in the suburbs.
The DA's federal chairperson, Ashor Sarupen, expressed optimism about the party's performance, stating that they are on track to meet their goal of being the largest party in 60 councils. According to Sarupen, the DA's gains were won, in part, due to high turnout in the suburbs. He also noted that the party has smashed its "race glass ceiling," with significant growth among black voters. The DA's results in Johannesburg are particularly noteworthy, with the party projected to win around 40% of the vote, a significant increase from 27% in 2021 and 26% in 2024.
ActionSA's national chairperson and chief negotiator, Michael Beaumont, stated that both the ANC and DA have reached out to the party, which has won 55 wards at the time of writing. This makes ActionSA a key player in coalition talks, with the potential to influence the outcome of the mayoral election in Johannesburg. The city could end up with either the DA's Helen Zille or ActionSA's Herman Mashaba as mayor. Beaumont's comments highlight the complex nature of coalition negotiations, which are set to begin within days.
In an interview with Daily Maverick, Ashor Sarupen discussed the DA's strategy and performance. He attributed the party's success to its ability to appeal to voters across racial lines, stating that the DA has become a mainstream party among black voters. Sarupen also noted that the party has seen significant growth in areas such as KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. The DA's performance in these regions has been strong, with the party projected to win around 58% of the vote in Cape Town.
ActionSA's Gauteng provincial chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni, also spoke to Daily Maverick about the party's success. Ngobeni explained that ActionSA's gains were due to its strong campaign and appeal to voters. He noted that the party has won close to 54 wards, with significant gains in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni. Ngobeni's comments highlight the party's growth and its potential role as a kingmaker in coalition negotiations.
The ANC's deputy secretary-general, Nomvula Mokonyane, also provided insight into the party's performance. While Mokonyane did not provide detailed comments, her participation in the interview with Daily Maverick underscores the ANC's efforts to assess the party's performance and future prospects. The ANC has historically been a dominant force in South African politics, but the 2026 local elections have seen significant shifts in the party landscape.
The 2026 local elections have seen significant fragmentation, with many hung councils and complex coalition negotiations. The DA's Ashor Sarupen noted that the party's success is a result of its ability to adapt to changing voter dynamics and appeal to voters across racial lines. As coalition talks begin, parties will need to navigate complex negotiations to secure mayoral positions and council seats. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the governance of key cities, including Johannesburg.
Key points
- The DA has made significant gains in Johannesburg, winning 79.4% of the vote in Hyde Park's Ward 90.
- ActionSA has emerged as a key player in coalition talks, with 55 wards won at the time of writing.
- The 2026 local elections have seen significant fragmentation, with many hung councils and complex coalition negotiations.
