LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: Meet the power brokers in South Africa’s great coalition scramble

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has aimed to secure a majority in South Africa's eight major metros, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Nelson Mandela Bay, as part of its strategy to form favourable coalitions. The DA, led by Geordin Hill-Lewis, has consistently emphasized its ability to deliver essential services like water, electricity, roads, and pothole repairs in urban areas, contrasting them with the performance of other parties.

On election day, DA candidates expressed confidence in their campaigns, which began earlier and received more attention than their rivals. However, voter sentiment on polling day was mixed. In Tshwane, for instance, a voter named Carl claimed that the DA's campaign rhetoric did not align with their actions, while a student, Unati Njenga, expressed fear over potential segregation and rising housing costs under DA rule.

Conversely, residents like Karen Anderson in Pretoria were voting for the DA, citing its track record in delivering services. In Johannesburg, Helen Zille, the DA's mayoral candidate, challenged critics to compare service delivery in DA-run areas with the rest of the country. Nyaqela, a DA councillor candidate in Orlando Ward 39, stressed Zille's leadership qualities and criticized the ANC's performance.