Battleground ’26: The local government elections

The local elections on November 4, 2026, in South Africa represent a critical political turning point. The DA aims to become the largest party in Gauteng's metros, while the ANC struggles for survival, particularly due to the lack of a proportional representation list for Mangaung. The MKP could emerge as a dominant force in several councils, including eThekwini, thereby influencing the country's future direction.