This report provides a comprehensive overview of South Africa’s 2026 local government election results in the eight metros, comparing party support across the 2011, 2016, 2021, and 2026 elections.

The report draws on Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) results for 2011, 2016, 2021, and 2026, highlighting changes in party support in the metros over the past 15 years. Where available, the charts also show the Social Research Foundation (SRF) poll of September and October 2026.

Johannesburg

The ANC fell from 59% in 2011 to 45% in 2016, and 33% in 2021, and 20% for 2026. The DA moved from 34% to 38%, then 25%, and 35% in 2026, well ahead of the ANC. ActionSA, at 18% in 2021, is projected at 17% in 2026.

Tshwane

ANC support in Tshwane declined from 56% in 2011 to 41% in 2016 and 35% in 2021 and 20% for 2026. The DA went from 39% to 43%, fell to 32% in 2021 and recovered to 34% in 2026. ActionSA, at 9% in 2021, was at 24% in 2026, which is ahead of the ANC.

eThekwini

The ANC declined from 62% in 2011 to 59% in 2016 and 43% in 2021, and declined to 16% in 2026. The MKP, which was not on the ballot in the earlier local elections, won 38%, while the DA won 25%, compared with 22% in 2011.

Buffalo City

The ANC remained the largest party in Buffalo City, with 69% in 2011, 60% in 2016 and 61% in 2021 and dropped to 42% in 2026. DA support moved from 20% to 23% and 19% through 2011 and 2021, with the party winning 16% in 2026. Smaller parties together won 35% in 2026, led by the United Democratic Movement on 20%.

Cape Town

The DA remained the largest party in Cape Town, with 61% in 2011, 67% in 2016 and 59% in 2021, and 57% for 2026. ANC support declined from 33% to 25% and 19%, and 14% in 2026.

Ekurhuleni

The ANC fell from 62% in 2011 to 49% in 2016 and 38% in 2021, and 22% for 2026. The DA was much more stable, at 30%, 34%, and 28%, and 31% in 2026, ahead of the ANC. ActionSA, at 7% in 2021, won 20% in 2026.

Mangaung

The ANC fell from 67% in 2011 to 57% in 2016 and 52% in 2021, and 34% in 2026. The DA, was at 27%, 26%, and 25% in 2011, 2016, and 2021, respectively, and won 34% in 2026.

Nelson Mandela Bay

ANC support declined from 52% in 2011 to 42% in 2016 and 40% in 2021, and 26% in 2026. The DA recorded 40%, 47% and 40%, and 44% in 2026, making it the leading party.

Eight metros combined

Across the eight metros, ANC support fell from 55% in 2011 to 44% in 2016 and 35% in 2021, and 20% for 2026. The DA recorded 37%, 42%, and 34%, and averages 37% in 2026, a lead of 17 percentage points over the ANC.