The Democratic Alliance (DA) is reporting increased support across South Africa’s metropolitan areas, while the African National Congress (ANC) faces declining voter backing amid concerns about municipal service delivery, infrastructure and political fragmentation.

The findings come ahead of South Africa’s local government elections scheduled for November 2026. However, party polling claims must be distinguished from independent surveys, and polling figures should not be treated as confirmed election results.

Key findings and political implications

• DA gains across metropolitan areas: The party says its internal polling places it among the leading parties in several metros. This is a party-reported assessment, not an independently verified result.
• ANC faces pressure over service delivery: Separate polling by eNCA and MarkData found the ANC losing ground in several urban contests, with voters expressing dissatisfaction over municipal services.
• Smaller parties could shape coalition negotiations: Fragmented voter support means that winning the largest share of votes may not be enough for a party to govern a metropolitan council alone.
• Local issues remain central: Water supply, electricity, roads, infrastructure and employment are among the issues influencing political debate ahead of the elections.

Note:

South Africa’s 2026 local government election campaign is unfolding amid signs of changing urban voter preferences. The DA is seeking to expand its influence, while the ANC faces scrutiny over its municipal record and competing parties are vying for support.

The central question is whether these polling trends will translate into changes in council representation and governing coalitions. Polls provide a snapshot of voter intentions, not a definitive forecast of election outcomes.

Source: News24 — DA’s poll shows it surging in six metros, ANC in catastrophic collapse