LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026 Q&A: DA sets sights on governance in 60 councils after November polls

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is aiming to become the largest party in Gauteng's three metros, as well as in 60 other municipalities, following the November local elections. DA federal council chairperson and head of elections, Ashor Sarupen, discusses the party's early campaign start, electoral targets, and the battle for Gauteng's metros, KwaZulu-Natal, voter fragmentation, and coalition reform.

Sarupen highlights the DA's first-mover advantage, noting that their messaging and signage were up before other parties launched their campaigns. He is surprised by the lack of large rally events from other parties, but appreciates the high interest in the DA's campaign.

The party considers Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Tshwane as the main battlegrounds, but aims to establish itself in 60 municipalities, potentially increasing its governance footprint by more than double its current 27 municipalities. In KwaZulu-Natal, Sarupen believes the DA could emerge as the largest party in areas like uMhlathuze and KwaDukuza due to voter splits.

In Johannesburg, Sarupen acknowledges the possibility of DA leader Helen Zille winning an outright majority, depending on DA voter turnout and the swing of other voters. He also suggests the party could take a majority in Tshwane if opposition parties don't divide the vote.

The DA faces competition from the ANC and fragmentation among opposition parties like the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and Freedom Front Plus. Coalition reform, including the Coalition Bill, aims to create a threshold for participation in government and make coalitions more stable before the election. However, Sarupen expresses that there is little time left to pass the bill before the November 4 local government election.