KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Eshowe hung: 14 KZN councils with no majority
Provisional IEC results show 14 fully counted KwaZulu-Natal councils hung, including KwaDukuza, Mandeni, uMlalazi (Eshowe) and uMdoni (Scottburgh). Only 3 finished councils have a majority so far.
Fourteen KwaZulu-Natal councils have finished counting with no party holding more than half the seats, according to provisional IEC results. That includes KwaDukuza (Stanger), Mandeni, uMlalazi (Eshowe), and uMdoni (Scottburgh / South Coast). Across the province, 17 of 44 councils are fully counted: 3 with a majority and 14 hung (Rateweb from IEC data, update 6 November 2026).
Nationally, about 71% of voting districts were counted by Friday morning, with most finished councils hung (Rateweb from IEC data).
Which KZN councils are hung?
| Council | Main town / area | Largest party | Seats won | Council seats | Needed for majority |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KwaDukuza | Stanger / Ballito | MK Party | 22 | 59 | 30 |
| uMlalazi | Eshowe | IFP | 24 | 55 | 28 |
| uMzimkhulu | uMzimkhulu | ANC | 21 | 43 | 22 |
| uMdoni | Scottburgh / South Coast | MK Party | 15 | 37 | 19 |
| Mandeni | Mandeni | MK Party | 17 | 35 | 18 |
| Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma | Underberg / Creighton | MK Party | 12 | 29 | 15 |
| Big Five Hlabisa | Hlabisa / Hluhluwe | IFP | 12 | 27 | 14 |
| uMshwathi | New Hanover / Wartburg | MK Party | 13 | 27 | 14 |
| Maphumulo | Maphumulo | MK Party | 10 | 25 | 13 |
| uMuziwabantu | Harding | MK Party | 8 | 21 | 11 |
| Mkhambathini | Camperdown | ANC | 8 | 19 | 10 |
| eNdumeni | Dundee | MK Party | 5 | 15 | 8 |
| Mpofana | Mooi River | MK Party | 4 | 11 | 6 |
| eMadlangeni | Utrecht | IFP | 4 | 11 | 6 |
Source: Rateweb KZN results from IEC data. Majority means more than half the council's seats. All figures are provisional until the IEC declares them.
Several races are razor-thin. Mandeni's MK Party is 1 seat short of a majority (17 of 35). uMzimkhulu's ANC is 1 short (21 of 43). uMshwathi’s MK Party is also 1 short (13 of 27). KwaDukuza is the largest finished hung council in the province: MK Party has 22 of 59 seats and needs 30 to govern alone (ESP from IEC data; Rateweb from IEC data).
Where did a party win outright so far?
Of the 17 fully counted KZN councils, only 3 have a majority so far (Rateweb from IEC data):
| Council | Largest party | Seats | Council size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | MK Party | 10 | 17 |
| uBuhlebezwe | MK Party | 14 | 27 |
| iMpendle | MK Party | 6 | 11 |
Larger centres are still counting, including eThekwini/Durban (about 39% counted, MK Party leading), Msunduzi/Pietermaritzburg, Newcastle, uMhlathuze/Richards Bay and Ray Nkonyeni/Port Shepstone.
What does the provincial picture look like?
With about 68% of KZN voting districts counted, the MK Party leads on roughly 35% of the vote, ahead of the IFP on about 22% and the ANC on about 21% (Rateweb from IEC data; SABC Elections). Those shares can still shift as the remaining districts come in.
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.
Where can you check your ward?
Use the IEC results dashboard for municipality and ward results, or Rateweb's KZN page for a live council-by-council view.
FAQ
Is KwaDukuza hung after the 2026 election?
Yes, provisionally. The MK Party won 22 of 59 seats, short of the 30 needed for a majority.
How many KZN councils are hung so far?
Of 17 fully counted KZN councils, 14 are hung and 3 have a majority, according to provisional IEC results via Rateweb.
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.
Who leads KZN on the provincial vote share so far?
With about 68% counted, the MK Party leads on roughly 35%, ahead of the IFP on about 22% and the ANC on about 21%.