With 99% of South Africa’s local-election voting districts counted on Saturday, November 7, the African National Congress (ANC) was still the country’s largest party but did not have a majority in several major cities, setting up coalition talks.
Provisional figures from the Electoral Commission put the ANC at about 30.9% nationally, ahead of the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 24.6% and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party at 9.7%. In Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, the ANC led the count but did not have a majority on the councils. The DA led in Nelson Mandela Bay, while the MK Party led in eThekwini.
Cape Town was an exception, with the DA securing enough seats for a majority. The ANC’s weaker showing reflects an ongoing loss of support. Voters have voiced frustration over corruption, unemployment and public services.
The divided results mean smaller parties may have more influence as parties seek agreements to govern. Past coalition arrangements have often been unstable. Turnout was estimated at 54.5%, up from 46% in the 2021 local elections.
Final results were still pending as counting and verification continued.