In brief
Provisional municipal election data released by the Electoral Commission shows the ANC holding a slim nationwide advantage, but the DA dominates key urban metros and the MK Party leads KwaZulu‑Natal. The results underscore shifting political dynamics and hint at coalition negotiations that could shape city leadership before final counts are published.
Johannesburg, Nov. 6 – The African National Congress (ANC) retained a narrow nationwide lead over its main rival, the Democratic Alliance (DA), as vote counting progressed in South Africa’s municipal elections, provincial and metropolitan contests, according to provisional results posted by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) late Thursday. With about two‑thirds of valid votes counted by 11:59 p.m. local time, the ANC had secured roughly 32 percent of the ballots compared with approximately 25 percent for the DA, IEC real‑time data showed.
In the provinces, the ANC remains in the lead in six of the country’s nine provinces – North West, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Free State – while the DA holds head‑count advantage in Gauteng and Western Cape. KwaZulu‑Natal is the only province where the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, is ahead, according to the same set of results.
Background and Regional Trends
In metropolitan council elections, the DA is ahead in six of the eight major metropolitan municipalities, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay and Mangaung. It also appears poised to retain control of Cape Town, where it has captured roughly 62 percent of the vote. The MK Party was leading in eThekwini, which encompasses Durban, highlighting its growing influence beyond its core base in KwaZulu‑Natal.
These early tallies speak to a tightening rivalry in local government, especially in urban centres that have historically been DA strongholds. The ANC’s continued nationwide lead suggests the party still holds the heartland, while the DA’s performance in metropolitan areas could strengthen its bargaining power in coalition talks once ballots are fully tallied and verified.
Coalition Implications and Negotiation Dynamics
Because mayors in South Africa’s municipalities are elected by council members rather than directly by voters, parties that do not win an outright majority must negotiate with potential partners to form governing coalitions. The DA’s robust showing in the largest cities may give it leverage, while the ANC may seek support from smaller parties to maintain influence over several key city councils. The MK Party’s gains in KwaZulu‑Natal could also give it greater clout in coalition negotiations across the province and potentially beyond.
As the IEC cautions, results remain provisional while counting, verification and auditing continue. The final collation of all votes is expected to be completed by the weekend, at which point the true composition of municipal councils and the eventual selection of mayors will become clear. The political landscape, shaped by inter‑party partnerships, remains fluid and will be tested as the numbers are finalized.
Observers note that the ongoing competition forewarns of shifting political dynamics ahead of the 2029 national presidential election. The ANC’s current campaign focus appears to be maintaining its national lead, the DA is bolstering its urban base, and the MK Party is carving a foothold in KwaZulu‑Natal – each adopting strategies that could reshape South Africa’s municipal governance over the next few years.
When the IEC releases the official final results, analysts will be able to evaluate the extent of the ANC’s lead, the true dominance of the DA in metropolitan areas, and the impact of the MK Party’s surge in KwaZulu‑Natal. Until then, municipalities will operate under provisional outcomes, and local leaders will observe the unfolding coalition negotiations with cautious anticipation.
