South Africa’s 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections have signalled a major shift in the country’s political landscape, with coalition governments expected to play an increasingly important role in determining who governs municipalities across the country.
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The elections have demonstrated growing political fragmentation, as voters distribute their support among different political parties rather than giving one party an outright majority.
According to preliminary results reported on 6 November, with approximately 67.5% of votes counted, the African National Congress (ANC) was leading nationally with 31.7%, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) at approximately 25.1%. These figures remain subject to the final counting and official certification of results.
The declining electoral dominance of the ANC, combined with increased competition from opposition parties, is likely to result in difficult coalition negotiations in several municipalities.
Coalition politics: A new reality
The 2026 elections raise important questions about the future of municipal leadership. Political parties that previously competed against one another may now have to negotiate partnerships to secure control of municipal councils.
Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and other contested municipalities are among the areas where coalition negotiations could determine the next municipal administrations.
However, coalition government is not simply about sharing mayoral positions or political power. It requires a common programme of action, accountability, policy agreement and a commitment to improving service delivery.
Will coalition governments bring stability or political uncertainty?
South Africa’s experience with municipal coalitions since the 2021 elections has demonstrated both opportunities and challenges. Changes in political alliances, disagreements between coalition partners and repeated leadership changes have sometimes affected municipal administration and service delivery.
The challenge facing political parties after the 2026 elections will be to establish stable administrations capable of addressing unemployment, water shortages, electricity challenges, poor roads, infrastructure deterioration and municipal financial management.
The voters have spoken
The message from the electorate is clear: political parties must recognise that public trust is earned through performance, accountability and service delivery.
The next five years will test whether political parties can put political differences aside and prioritise the interests of residents.
Ultimately, coalition governments should not become arrangements designed merely to distribute political positions. They must become partnerships that deliver functioning municipalities and better living conditions for communities.