Stay informed, fast, with News Bite, your daily update on South Africa and the world, presented by Marcelle Gordon. This special 2026 Local Government Elections Early Edition covers the IEC results, the changing political landscape and coalition talks.
IEC RESULTS AND COALITION TALKS
The IEC declares the elections free and fair. The ANC leads nationally with 30.76% of the vote, followed by the DA, MK Party, EFF and ActionSA. Only 74 of 213 municipalities have an outright majority, placing coalition negotiations at the centre of the next stage.
RAMAPHOSA AND THE NEXT 14 DAYS
President Cyril Ramaphosa responds to the result, welcomes a broader political landscape and urges councillors to prioritise service delivery. Newly elected councils must hold their first meetings within the legal deadline, increasing pressure on parties to agree on stable administrations.
DOUGLAS REVOTE AND MK PARTY OBJECTION
The IEC orders a revote in Douglas, Northern Cape, after ballot papers were allegedly destroyed before counting. The MK Party disputes results in parts of eThekwini, alleging counting irregularities. Duduzane Zuma discusses the party's response.
ANC, DA AND ACTIONSA
Fikile Mbalula calls the ANC's electoral decline catastrophic. Geordin Hill-Lewis discusses the DA's approach to coalition talks, while Herman Mashaba reflects on ActionSA's election gains and the party's discussions with the ANC.
EFF'S ELECTORAL LOSSES
The EFF also loses support. Leader Julius Malema responds to the setback and rejects the idea that the result signals defeat.
For more election coverage, visit eNCA.com or watch eNCA on DStv channel 403.