Battle for the metros: ANC and DA fight as MK storms eThekwini | LGE 2026
With the November 4 local government elections just over a month away, the ANC, DA and MK face closely contested races in several major metros, with fragmented support making coalition outcomes uncertain.
As the 2026 local government elections draw near, political parties are locked in a fierce battle for control of South Africa's major metros. The African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) are currently neck and neck in several key cities like Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, and Nelson Mandela Bay. However, the MK Party has emerged as a strong contender, especially in eThekwini, where it has garnered a substantial 55% support according to recent Ipsos polling.
The ANC, which has yet to announce its final mayoral candidates for any of the eight metropolitan municipalities, announced 42 potential candidates in August, leaving its national officials to make the final selections. This has left the party in a precarious position as it enters the final stretch of the campaign with unresolved mayoral line-ups in several battlegrounds.
Recent Ipsos polling reveals a close race in Johannesburg, with the ANC and DA being evenly matched, while the DA has a slight edge in Cape Town, garnering 46% support. MK Party has made significant gains in eThekwini, while the EFF has secured 27% support in Buffalo City. ActionSA has also gained traction in Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, securing double-digit support in these metros.
Political analysts suggest that the contests in these metros could be particularly close and might have significant implications for coalition governments. For instance, in Johannesburg, the DA has gained ground following Helen Zille's mayoral candidacy, placing it on par with the ANC. Similarly, the DA is seen as the favourite in Tshwane, with polls placing it between 31% and 43%. In Ekurhuleni, the contest between the ANC and DA remains uncertain, but ActionSA's support could bolster the DA's votes.
Meanwhile, in eThekwini, the MK Party has emerged as the frontrunner, while the ANC holds a historical lead in the city. The DA remains a strong competitor, with Ipsos polling suggesting a potential 46% support. In Mangaung, the DA leads, although broader trends in the election landscape remain uncertain, as the political scene is highly fragmented.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
