{
  "id": 16197517,
  "title": "DA targets Ekurhuleni majority in make-or-break municipal election",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/da-targets-ekurhuleni-majority-in-make-or-break-municipal-election",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T14:33:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/elections/da-targets-majority-in-ekurhuleni/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The DA is aiming for a decisive majority in Ekurhuleni’s upcoming municipal elections, which it views as a critical vote for the entire municipality. According to party sources, internal polls indicate the DA leading the ANC with 34% to 28%. However, there is still a significant portion of voters, around 22%, undecided on their choice. Party candidate Khathu Rasilingwane revealed that the DA is campaigning to secure 50% plus one vote, with a minimum target of 45%. Rasilingwane emphasized the importance of focusing on undecided voters ahead of the election on November 4th. She noted that coalition governments at municipal level lack the formal agreements that regulate cooperation between parties in the national Government of National Unity, making smaller coalitions with clear agreements preferable for easier management. Rasilingwane acknowledged past mistakes made in the 2021 elections, such as voter apathy and fatigue, which could have altered the party's position in coalition negotiations. She stressed the need to encourage high voter turnout, particularly among those who failed to vote in 2021, as their participation could have changed the outcome. The DA has also targeted younger voters, urging them to register and participate. Despite some residents becoming disillusioned with local government, Rasilingwane has visited every ward to address concerns over deteriorating services, municipal accountability, and demands for stronger scrutiny of municipal officials. She is committed to introducing skills and lifestyle audits for officials and holding contractors accountable for project failures. Rasilingwane believes that political leadership alone is not enough without an effective administration capable of implementing plans. She sees the election results as indicative of broader political trends that could signal the country's direction ahead of the 2029 national elections.",
  "summary": "DA targets an outright Ekurhuleni majority as internal polling puts it ahead of the ANC, with 22% of voters still undecided.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}