The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched an ambitious campaign to dominate South Africa's major metros in the 2026 local elections. The party's leader, Geordin Hill-Lewis, has expressed confidence in winning a majority or becoming the largest party in key metros such as Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Nelson Mandela Bay. These metros account for almost 40% of South Africa's voters, and the DA sees this as an opportunity to boost its support in urban areas and lay the groundwork for the 2029 national elections.
The DA's campaign has been marked by a high level of visibility, with party leaders and candidates engaging with voters across the country. In Tshwane, the DA's mayoral candidate, Cilliers Brink, claimed that the party had canvassed a higher number of voters than ever before, giving them a significant logistical advantage. Brink stated that the party was aiming for a majority and not just a coalition arrangement. This confidence was echoed by Helen Zille, the DA's Johannesburg mayoral candidate, who pointed to the party's performance record in providing basic services such as water, electricity, and refuse removal.
Voters in Tshwane had mixed reactions to the DA's campaign. Carl, a middle-aged voter, expressed skepticism about the party's claims, stating that their actions did not match their rhetoric. In contrast, Karen Anderson, a resident of Montana in Pretoria, said she was voting for the DA, citing their track record of delivering services and addressing issues such as water and electricity supply. Anderson expressed optimism about Brink's leadership prospects in Tshwane, noting that voters viewed him as a practical and experienced alternative to the governing coalition.
In Johannesburg, the DA spent considerable time and resources campaigning for new voters, particularly in Soweto, a key constituency. Mandla Nyaqela, a DA councillor candidate in the traditionally ANC ward of Orlando, stated that the current administration did not take residents seriously and that only Helen Zille could deliver for Johannesburg. Nyaqela expressed frustration with the ANC, stating that "we vote for them, but nothing is improving." Lydia Msibi, a 75-year-old resident of Alexandra, also expressed frustration with the area's current leadership, citing issues with sewage and maintenance.
The DA's campaign in Johannesburg was also marked by a focus on issues such as service delivery and corruption. Zille regularly visited Soweto, engaging with voters and listening to their concerns. The party's efforts seemed to be resonating with some voters, with the DA leading the ANC in five of six Johannesburg polls conducted between mid-June and mid-October. However, not all voters were convinced, with some expressing concerns about the party's ability to deliver on its promises.
In Ekurhuleni, some voters were switching their support to the DA, citing frustration with the ANC's performance. The DA's campaign in the metro focused on issues such as service delivery and job creation. While some voters expressed optimism about the party's prospects, others were more skeptical, citing concerns about the party's ability to work with other parties in a coalition arrangement.
As the election results were announced, it was clear that the DA had made significant gains in several metros. However, the party's ability to form favourable coalitions and deliver on its promises remains to be seen. The DA's performance in the 2026 local elections will likely have significant implications for the party's prospects in the 2029 national elections.
Key points
- The DA is aiming to dominate South Africa's major metros in the 2026 local elections, with a focus on winning a majority or becoming the largest party in key metros such as Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Voters in Tshwane and Johannesburg had mixed reactions to the DA's campaign, with some expressing skepticism about the party's claims and others citing their track record of delivering services.
- The DA's performance in the 2026 local elections will likely have significant implications for the party's prospects in the 2029 national elections.
