{
  "id": 18103329,
  "title": "SA votes: Here’s what to expect when the results start rolling in",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/sa-votes-heres-what-to-expect-when-the-results-start-rolling-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-04T10:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/elections/sa-votes-heres-what-to-expect-when-the-results-start-rolling-in/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As South Africans cast their votes today, political analysts are predicting a fragmented political landscape, with the possibility of coalitions playing a key role in various municipalities. Theo Neethling, a political analyst, highlighted that the ANC's once-undisputed dominance has weakened, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) is gaining traction. According to recent polls, the DA's national support stands at 28.4%, closely trailing the ANC's 29.6%. Independent surveys, however, indicate a larger gap, with the ANC at around 32% and the DA at 26%. Despite minor variations in the data, the overall trend is clear: the ANC's support is under threat, and the DA is gradually closing the gap.\n\nNeethling explained that the ANC's popularity has plummeted since 2004, when it commanded nearly 70% of the vote, down to approximately 40% in 2024. This significant loss of nearly 30 percentage points signals a major shift in the South African political landscape and the diminishing grip of the ANC on electoral power. However, the political climate varies at the metropolitan level. The DA boasts a strong presence in Cape Town, with Tshwane and Johannesburg also presenting opportunities for the party to potentially become the leading force. Conversely, Ekurhuleni and Nelson Mandela Bay are expected to be fiercely contested, while the MK Party is predicted to hold a strong stance in eThekwini.\n\nIn Mangaung, caution must be exercised when evaluating the DA's prospects. Although internal polls suggest the party is marginally ahead of the ANC, a recent Constitutional Court ruling regarding the ANC's proportional candidate list may bolster the ANC's local organization and its ability to garner support. While this doesn't guarantee an ANC victory, the party will still need to maintain its existing base, mobilize voters, and tackle local issues that could tarnish its credibility.\n\nIt is crucial to note that merely securing the highest vote count does not automatically lead to ruling. Neethling emphasized the distinction between winning the most votes and forming and controlling a municipal government. In cases where no party achieves an absolute majority, the selection of coalition partners, negotiation of policy priorities, and the establishment of a stable administration will be crucial. Both the ANC and the DA face the challenge of not only emerging as the largest party in these cities but also translating their electoral success into effective local governance. Ultimately, the outcome of the election will be determined not just by which party receives the most votes, but by which party can form reliable, functional, and stable coalitions.",
  "summary": "South Africa's two biggest parties, the ANC and the DA will contest to lead the country's most critical municipalities.",
  "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."
}