South Africa’s Electoral Commission (IEC) announced the final results of the November 4 local government elections on Sunday evening, November 8, and declared the vote free and fair. IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya confirmed that all 213 councils were finalised. The ANC remains the largest party with 30.76 percent of the vote and 3,246 council seats, down sharply from 45.6 percent in 2021. The DA is second on 24.64 percent (1,695 seats), the MK Party third on 9.76 percent (785 seats), the EFF on about 6.2 percent and ActionSA on about 5.7 percent. About 14.9 million people voted out of 29.2 million registered, a turnout of 52 percent, up from 45.9 percent in 2021.
No party won outright in most places. The ANC governs on its own in 53 municipalities and the DA in 12, which leaves about 140 councils hung (outlets report between 139 and 142). The DA leads in five of the eight big metros, according to the final counts, which is one fewer than the provisional figures suggested last week. The MK Party topped the poll in eThekwini, won outright control in three municipalities and leads in 19.
Several disputes remain. The IEC ordered a revote in Douglas, Northern Cape, after ballot papers were allegedly destroyed before counting. The MK Party disputes results in parts of eThekwini and alleges counting irregularities, and the IEC is considering objections that could still change some KwaZulu-Natal outcomes. The Constitutional Court also reinstated 181 ANC candidates who had been left off the ballot after the party missed a submission deadline. Councils must hold their first meetings within 14 days of being declared, so coalition talks have a deadline. President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged new councillors to put service delivery ahead of power struggles, and ActionSA says it is talking to the ANC while the DA weighs its options in Gauteng.
The ANC is still the biggest party, but a drop from 45.6 to 30.76 percent means it now governs outright in only 53 of 213 councils. The 14-day rule is the practical pressure point, because it forces parties to agree on mayors and speakers quickly. ActionSA, at about 5.7 percent nationally, looks pivotal in Gauteng because the larger parties need partners there. Watch the first council meetings more closely than the national percentages.
Quick facts:
- Final results declared November 8, 2026; ANC 30.76%, DA 24.64%, MK 9.76%
- Turnout 52%; about 14.9 million voters
- About 140 of 213 councils hung; ANC outright in 53, DA in 12
- Revote ordered in Douglas; MK Party disputes some eThekwini results
Which parties should work together in Johannesburg and Tshwane? Tell us why.
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