ANC calls the DA a last resort. Only 2 Limpopo councils need it
The ANC is reportedly treating the DA as a last resort in coalition talks. In Limpopo's 10 hung councils, only Modimolle-Mookgophong and Thabazimbi need the DA as the ANC's sole partner. Seat maths for each council.
The ANC's national executive committee has reportedly resolved that the DA should be a last resort in council coalition talks (IOL). In Limpopo, the ANC is the biggest party in all 10 hung councils, and the seat numbers show it would need the DA as its only partner in just two of them: Modimolle-Mookgophong and Thabazimbi.
Everywhere else, a single partner other than the DA, usually the SACP or the EFF, would get it over the line. Seats are provisional IEC results via The Outlier.
How short is the ANC in each council?
Limpopo has 10 hung councils, according to Cape Argus. Here is each one, with the ANC paired with one other party at a time.
| Council (main town) | Needed | ANC | ANC + SACP | ANC + EFF | ANC + DA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polokwane (Polokwane) | 46 | 37 | 43, no | 54, yes | 48, yes |
| Mogalakwena (Mokopane) | 33 | 29 | 33, yes | 36, yes | 35, yes |
| Lepele-Nkumpi (Lebowakgomo) | 31 | 29 | 35, yes | 36, yes | 34, yes |
| Elias Motsoaledi (Groblersdal) | 31 | 30 | 33, yes | 39, yes | 37, yes |
| Ba-Phalaborwa (Phalaborwa) | 19 | 17 | - | 21, yes | 23, yes |
| Lephalale (Lephalale) | 16 | 14 | 17, yes | 17, yes | 19, yes |
| Modimolle-Mookgophong (Modimolle) | 15 | 11 | 14, no | 13, no | 17, yes |
| Maruleng (Hoedspruit) | 14 | 13 | 14, yes | 16, yes | 16, yes |
| Thabazimbi (Thabazimbi) | 12 | 8 | 11, no | 10, no | 12, yes |
| Bela-Bela (Bela-Bela) | 9 | 7 | 8, no | 10, yes | 10, yes |
Seats from The Outlier (IEC data), linked per council. Maruleng's single SACP seat is from Sunday World; the SACP's seats in Ba-Phalaborwa are not shown separately. This is seat arithmetic, not a forecast of who will govern.
Where does the ANC need the DA?
In Modimolle-Mookgophong the ANC has 11 of 28 seats, four short. The DA's 6 is the only single party big enough to close that gap. The SACP and FF Plus have 3 each, and the EFF 2.
In Thabazimbi the ANC has 8 of 23 seats, also four short. Only the DA's 4 seats would do it alone. The SACP has 3, and the EFF and FF Plus 2 each.
In both councils, the ANC could still reach a majority with two or more smaller parties instead of the DA.
Where is the SACP enough?
The ANC and SACP together reach a majority in five councils: Maruleng, Lepele-Nkumpi, Lephalale, Elias Motsoaledi and Mogalakwena. Sunday World reported the same five as places where SACP seats bridge the ANC's gap.
SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila has said there is "no automatic support for any single party" (Sunday World).
What about Polokwane?
Polokwane is the biggest prize, with 90 seats and 46 needed. The ANC has 37, nine short. The EFF's 17 seats or the DA's 11 would give it a majority, but the SACP's 6 would not.
What has the ANC said about how it will choose?
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said there would be no "blanket approach" and that each municipality would be assessed on its own (IOL). Reported explained what the last-resort resolution could mean for Gauteng's metros here.
When must the councils sit?
Councillors count as elected from 8 November, so first sittings, where speakers and mayors are chosen, must be called by about 22 November (SAnews).
FAQ
How many hung councils are there in Limpopo?
Limpopo has 10 hung councils after the 2026 local elections, according to Cape Argus: Polokwane, Mogalakwena, Lepele-Nkumpi, Elias Motsoaledi, Ba-Phalaborwa, Lephalale, Modimolle-Mookgophong, Maruleng, Thabazimbi and Bela-Bela.
How many seats does the ANC have in Polokwane?
The ANC has 37 of Polokwane's 90 seats, nine short of the 46 needed for a majority, based on provisional IEC results via The Outlier.
When will Limpopo councils elect mayors?
Councillors count as elected from 8 November 2026, so first council sittings, where mayors are elected, must be called by about 22 November, according to SAnews.