ANC and DA to Contest South African Local Elections
Major political parties prepare for local polls as polling indicates potential hung councils across key metropolitan areas.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in City Hall
Live Poll
Should local governments prioritize building physical crime barriers over other service delivery projects?
The African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance are gearing up for upcoming South African local government elections. Analysts project that hung councils in major cities like Johannesburg and Cape Town may force both parties to negotiate coalition agreements to secure governance.
Why it matters
Coalitions may be required because polling indicates that major parties may fail to secure an outright majority in key metros. The outcome will determine the future of municipal service delivery and financial management across the country.
MarkData polling places the DA at 35% and the ANC at 21.8% in Johannesburg, with the ANC potentially facing an overhang of up to five seats. The ANC has set a target for 50% or more of municipalities to achieve clean or unqualified audits.
The players
African National Congress
The African National Congress is a major South African political party that has historically dominated national politics.
Democratic Alliance
The Democratic Alliance is a South African political party that currently holds the mayoralty of Cape Town.
Helen Zille
Helen Zille is a prominent DA mayoral candidate who has taken a public stance against forming coalitions with specific opposition parties.
The details
The DA mayoral candidate Helen Zille has ruled out a coalition with the EFF and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Meanwhile, the ANC has pledged to invest 8% of municipal asset values into maintenance and renewal to address service delivery concerns.
Timeline
2016 marked the year the DA began running a number of metros.
2019 saw the recording of DA provincial results.
2024 results for the DA provinces were previously recorded.
Political Context
The DA has proposed building a 9km concrete barrier along the N2 highway to reduce crime levels in the Cape Flats area. This infrastructure project underscores the party's localised approach to security as 45.3% of Cape Town residents currently blame the national government for gangsterism.
Residents in major metros may see shifts in municipal management and service delivery depending on which coalition emerges in hung councils. Voters should anticipate policy debates focused on infrastructure, such as the proposed N2 barrier, and local financial auditing standards.
The takeaway
Voters should examine the specific coalition commitments of each party, as these alliances will dictate future municipal service delivery and budget allocations. Understanding the polling data in key metros like Johannesburg is essential for anticipating potential changes in local leadership.
Further reading
For more information on local governance, visit the City Hall section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mail & Guardian.
Live Poll
Should local governments prioritize building physical crime barriers over other service delivery projects?
