South Africa's 2026 local government elections have significantly altered the country's political landscape. The African National Congress (ANC), which has governed South Africa since 1994, received about 31% of the national proportional vote, down from roughly 46% in 2021 and 40% in the 2024 general election. This decline marks the ANC's second consecutive loss under President Cyril Ramaphosa, with the party now facing a crisis of confidence among voters. The ANC still holds the most votes but has lost the benefit of the doubt from the electorate.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) emerged as the biggest winner, securing about a quarter of the national proportional vote and becoming the leading party in most major metropolitan councils. Under the leadership of Geordin Hill-Lewis, the DA performed strongly in key metros, including Cape Town, where it polled around 59%, more than four times the ANC's vote. In Johannesburg, the DA leads with about 39% of the vote, ahead of the ANC at 18% and ActionSA at 16%. The DA's success suggests it has begun to break through the racial ceiling that has defined its politics for a generation.
The DA's gains are significant, particularly in commercial and political hubs where the party now commands the largest share of the vote. This development has deeper implications for South African politics, as voters prioritize service delivery and effective governance over party loyalty. The voters' priorities are clear: they want functional services, including water, electricity, roads, and effective councils. This shift in voter behavior indicates a growing discontent with the ANC's performance and a desire for change.
However, the DA did not win every metro outright and secured no majorities on its own in hung councils. The ANC remains the leading party in Buffalo City, Mangaung, and other provinces. The party still holds commanding positions in Limpopo, the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, and the North West. In contrast, the DA leads in Gauteng and the Western Cape, while Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leads in KwaZulu-Natal. This complex landscape sets the stage for coalition negotiations and a new era of politics in South Africa.
MK's strong showing is another significant story from the elections. The party won its first outright municipality in KwaZulu-Natal and displaced the ANC as the leading party in eThekwini. Nationally, MK secured just under 10% of the vote, but its strength is concentrated in KwaZulu-Natal, where it has become a force to be reckoned with. ActionSA, led by Herman Mashaba, also performed well in Gauteng, emerging as a coalition kingmaker in several metros.
The outcome of the elections has significant implications for the future of South African politics. With 125 out of 205 local councils reporting as hung, no party can govern alone. The DA, ANC, and other parties will need to form coalitions to govern effectively. The negotiations will be complex, with parties trading mayoral chains, committee chairs, and portfolios. The success of these coalitions will depend on the parties' ability to work together and prioritize service delivery.
The next national and provincial elections are due in 2029, but analysts will be watching closely to see how the parties adapt to the new political landscape. The message from the 2026 local government elections is clear: South Africa is heading for a coalition future, and the parties will need to learn to work together effectively to govern. The stakes are high, and the consequences of failure will be significant.
Key points
- The ANC has lost ground in two successive elections under President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- The DA has emerged as a major winner, securing about a quarter of the national proportional vote.
- The elections have set the stage for a coalition future in South Africa, with 125 out of 205 local councils reporting as hung.
