Bela-Bela and Maruleng hung: Limpopo councils with no majority
Two of four finished Limpopo councils are hung after the 2026 local election: Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) and Maruleng (Hoedspruit). Molemole and Musina have ANC majorities. Seats and what happens next.
Two Limpopo councils have finished counting with no party holding more than half the seats, according to provisional IEC results. That includes Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) and Maruleng (Hoedspruit area). Across the province, 4 of 22 councils are fully counted: 2 with a majority and 2 hung (Rateweb from IEC data, update 6 November 2026, 08:36 SAST).
Nationally, about 71% of voting districts were counted by Friday morning, with most finished councils hung (Rateweb from IEC data).
Which Limpopo councils are hung?
| Council | Main town | Largest party | Seats won | Council seats | Needed for majority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maruleng | Hoedspruit area | ANC | 13 | 27 | 14 |
| Bela-Bela | Warmbaths / Bela-Bela | ANC | 7 | 17 | 9 |
Source: Rateweb Limpopo results from IEC data. Majority means more than half the council's seats. All figures are provisional until the IEC declares them.
In Bela-Bela, the ANC has 40.4% of the vote and 7 of 17 seats. The EFF and DA each have 3 seats so far (Rateweb Bela-Bela from IEC data).
In Maruleng, the ANC has 50.2% of the vote but only 13 of 27 seats, one short of a majority. The EFF and DA each have 3 seats (Rateweb Maruleng from IEC data).
Where did a party win outright so far?
Two fully counted Limpopo councils have majorities:
| Council | Main town | Winner | Seats won | Council seats | Vote share |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musina | Musina | ANC | 16 | 24 | 67.3% |
| Molemole | Dendron / Morebeng area | ANC | 17 | 32 | 53.3% |
Source: Rateweb Musina and Rateweb Molemole from IEC data.
In Molemole, the Molemole Independent Voice (MIV) took 4 seats on 13.7% of the vote, matching the EFF on seats (Rateweb from IEC data).
What does the provincial picture look like?
With about 61% of Limpopo voting districts counted, the ANC leads on about 55.2% of the vote, ahead of the EFF on about 10.8% and the DA on about 8.1% (Rateweb from IEC data). Those shares can still shift as the remaining districts come in.
Larger centres are still counting, including Polokwane (about 35% counted), Thulamela, Makhado, Greater Tzaneen, Collins Chabane and Thabazimbi (about 89% counted, ANC leading on 27.5%).
What happens next in a hung council?
Parties must agree on a coalition or minority arrangement. The new council must hold its first meeting within 14 days of the results being declared, where it elects the mayor and speaker. See Reported's hung council explainer. The IEC expects to announce final national results around 11 November.
Friday 6 November is also the last day for section 65 objections, with a 17:00 deadline at the IEC.
Where can you check your ward?
Use the IEC results dashboard for municipality and ward results, or Rateweb's Limpopo page for a live council-by-council view.
FAQ
Is Bela-Bela hung after the 2026 election?
Yes, provisionally. The ANC won 7 of 17 seats, short of the 9 needed for a majority.
Is Maruleng hung after the 2026 election?
Yes, provisionally. The ANC won 13 of 27 seats, one short of the 14 needed for a majority.
Which Limpopo councils have a majority so far?
Of the 4 fully counted councils, Musina and Molemole have ANC majorities. Bela-Bela and Maruleng are hung.