EXCLUSIVE: SA Backs ANC-DA Coalitions at Local Level

Most South African voters would back a municipal coalition made up of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and African National Congress (ANC).

This is according to a new survey by the Social Research Foundation which was conducted earlier this month.

Respondents were asked if they agreed or disagreed with the statement: “If the ANC and DA can form a majority in any municipality or metro after the next local government elections, they should do so and form a coalition together.”

Fifty-nine percent of respondents agreed with the statement, with 36% disagreeing. Five percent were undecided or refused to answer.

This arrangement was popular amongst ANC voters, with 64% saying they agreed with the statement.

A strong majority of DA voters also agreed with the statement, with 59% of them saying they backed this arrangement.

A potential municipal coalition between the ANC and DA was also popular amongst uMkhonto weSizwe voters with 55% saying they thought such an arrangement would be a good idea.

Economic Freedom Fighter supporters were more circumspect with only 42% backing an ANC-DA municipal coalition. 

In late 2026 or early 2027 South Africans will vote in local government elections. Over 200 municipal councils will be up for grabs. An analysis by The Common Sense has found that in a great number of those no party will win an outright majority. The ensuing negotiations could be chaotic. However, in many cases the ANC and the DA will jointly have a majority. If, after the election, they strike a deal to work together to form a government wherever that is the case, the aftermath of the elections would be more orderly.