With 99% of results counted, the ANC is on 30.78% of the national vote and leads in 125 of the 213 municipalities, according to Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) data. It has lost control of key metros, and its leaders now face a two-week window to decide on coalition partners.
Where the metros stand
The DA leads in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, while the MK Party leads in eThekwini, the IEC data shows.
The ANC's timetable
The ANC's Top Seven officials are due to meet first, followed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) on Thursday 12 November. Under the Municipal Structures Act, councils must hold their first meetings within 14 days of the results being declared, which sets the pace for coalition negotiations.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula described the party's performance as catastrophic, as reported. He said: “Where we govern a council, we will govern well.”
What other parties are saying
EFF leader Julius Malema said: “The ANC must agree that Ramaphosa must go because we are in this mess because of him.” He also said: “We may not see eye to eye, but I am prepared to hear other parties out and work together on municipal issues.”
The DA's Geordin Hill-Lewis is said to be considering a “government of local unity” model. ActionSA's Herman Mashaba is reported to be open to negotiating with any party, with reservations about MK. The SACP's Solly Mapaila is said to be willing to partner with the ANC if it reviews its economic policies.
What we do not yet know
- The final seat counts, which the IEC has not yet declared.
- Whether the ANC will choose to govern in coalition or sit in opposition in individual councils.
- The outcome of the recounts and objections the IEC is still processing.
