Overview
- Final Independent Electoral Commission results announced after the Nov. 4 vote left most major metropolitan councils without a majority and gave the ANC its worst-ever municipal showing at about 30.89% of the national vote.
- ActionSA has emerged as a pivotal kingmaker in Gauteng with national chair Michael Beaumont leading talks and the party pressing to keep Nasiphi Moya in Tshwane while opposing Helen Zille in Johannesburg.
- The Democratic Alliance won the largest vote shares in Johannesburg and Tshwane but may have to trade mayoralties or make concessions to secure coalition partners and install preferred leaders.
- Parties must form councils and elect mayors within 14 calendar days under the Municipal Structures Act, a short deadline made sharper by a stalled Coalition Bill and raising the risk that deals will focus on positions rather than written programmes.
- Beyond city halls, analysts warn the ANC’s municipal losses cut party revenue and patronage, deepen internal strain and could shift bargaining at national level, while voters say poor water, power and services were the main reasons for the rout.