DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis declared victory in the City of Cape Town on Thursday, saying he expects the party to take about 58% of the vote in the metro.

The declaration came while only a minority of the city's votes had been officially tallied, so the 58% figure is the DA's own projection and not a verified IEC result.

What Hill-Lewis said

Hill-Lewis said: "This is a wonderful victory." He added that "there was not a single poll that predicted such a strong victory", and that he looked forward to serving as mayor again. He has said he intends to remain Cape Town mayor at least until 2029.

DA federal council chair Ashor Sarupen said the party's projections indicate the DA will have received more votes from black South Africans than the EFF. That is a party claim and can only be tested against the final, verified results.

The wider Western Cape picture

According to results reported on Thursday evening, the DA stood at 53.2% across the Western Cape, slightly below the 54.26% it won in 2021. The party retained Stellenbosch and Drakenstein (Paarl) and won outright majorities in Hessequa and Bergrivier.

In 14 other councils the DA was the largest party without a majority. In Saldanha Bay the DA was on 49.2% and 15 seats, one fewer than all other parties combined. ActionSA led in Laingsburg, the Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa led in Kannaland and the Patriotic Alliance led in Prince Albert.

What is confirmed, and what is not

IEC chair Mosotho Moepya has urged parties, independent candidates, the media and the public to be cautious when interpreting partial results. The IEC has said verified results are expected on Sunday. Objections must be lodged by Friday.

Until the IEC declares the results, council seat totals, and with them any coalition arithmetic, remain provisional.

What we do not yet know

  • The verified Cape Town vote share and seat count. The 58% figure is a projection by the DA.
  • How many Western Cape councils will finally be hung. Tallies reported so far differ slightly, and counting was still under way.
  • Whether any party will lodge objections affecting Cape Town or other Western Cape results.