South Africa’s Electoral Commission (IEC) confirmed the final results of the 2026 local government elections on Sunday evening, 8 November 2026, at the National Results Operations Centre at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya declared the elections free and fair.
The African National Congress (ANC) received 30.76% of the national vote and 3,246 council seats, down from 45.59% in the 2021 local elections, but remains the largest party nationally.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) came second with 24.64% and 1,695 seats, followed by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in third place with 9.76% and 785 seats. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) received 6.22% and 588 seats, while ActionSA received 5.67% and 313 seats.
The ANC won outright control in 53 municipalities and is the leading party in 128. The DA won outright control in 12 municipalities and leads in 32. Of the country’s 213 municipal councils, only 74 have a party with an outright majority, so coalition talks will decide control of most councils.
About 14.9 million South Africans voted out of 29.2 million registered voters, a turnout of 52%, up from 45.9% in 2021. Voting took place on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, with special voting on 2-3 November, followed by three days of counting.
In Douglas in the Northern Cape, results at one voting station were withheld after ballot papers were destroyed, and the IEC said a fresh vote would be arranged there. President Cyril Ramaphosa attended the declaration ceremony.
Source: Mail & Guardian. The figures also match the IEC’s official declaration on gov.za.
