Bethlehem, Bothaville, Vrede hung: Free State towns where the ANC lost its majority
The ANC is the largest party but has no majority in six Free State councils that finished counting, including Dihlabeng (Bethlehem), Nala (Bothaville) and Phumelela (Vrede). It won four others outright.
The ANC has lost its outright hold on Bethlehem, Bothaville and four other Free State councils that have finished counting. It is still the biggest party in each, but short of a majority, according to provisional IEC results compiled by The Outlier.
Nationally, 79 of the 205 local councils outside the metros had been decided by Thursday evening (The Outlier).
Which Free State councils are hung?
| Council | Main town | Largest party | Seats won | Council seats | Needed for majority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dihlabeng | Bethlehem | ANC | 18 | 38 | 20 |
| Nala | Bothaville | ANC | 9 | 23 | 12 |
| Phumelela | Vrede | ANC | 8 | 16 | 9 |
| Masilonyana | Theunissen | ANC | 7 | 19 | 10 |
| Mafube | Frankfort | ANC | 7 | 17 | 9 |
| Mohokare | Zastron | ANC | 6 | 13 | 7 |
Source: The Outlier council results, from IEC data. All results are provisional until the IEC declares them.
Phumelela is the closest call: the ANC has exactly half of the 16 seats, one short of control. In Dihlabeng it needs two more seats.
Where did the ANC keep a majority?
The ANC won Letsemeng (Koffiefontein), Kopanong (Trompsburg), Tokologo (Boshof) and Mantsopa (Ladybrand) outright (The Outlier). Maluti-a-Phofung (Harrismith and QwaQwa), Metsimaholo (Sasolburg), Ngwathe (Parys), Setsoto (Ficksburg) and Tswelopele (Bultfontein) were still counting. Reported's Welkom and Kroonstad results and Mangaung results cover the province's bigger councils.
What happens next?
Parties in a hung council must agree on a coalition or minority government. The new council has to hold its first meeting within 14 days of the results being declared, and elects the mayor and speaker there. Reported's hung council explainer sets out the steps. The IEC expects final national results around 11 November.
Where can you check your ward?
The IEC results dashboard shows results by municipality and ward, and the IEC results reports page has each council's seat calculation once it is complete.
FAQ
Is Dihlabeng (Bethlehem) hung after the 2026 election?
Yes, provisionally. The ANC won 18 of 38 seats, short of the 20 needed for a majority.
Which Free State councils did the ANC win outright?
Provisional results show ANC majorities in Letsemeng, Kopanong, Tokologo and Mantsopa.
When must a hung council elect a mayor?
The new council must hold its first meeting, where the mayor is elected, within 14 days of the results being declared.