uMngeni DA wins majority: 15 of 25 seats after 2026 vote
Provisional IEC tallies give the DA 15 of 25 seats on the uMngeni (Howick) council, a clear majority after seats were declared. MK is second on 5 seats, ANC on 4.
Provisional IEC figures now show the Democratic Alliance with a majority on the uMngeni local council: 15 of 25 seats, after seats were declared for the Howick-centred municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (The Outlier, update 13:56 Africa/Johannesburg on 6 November 2026; Rateweb uMngeni results from IEC data).
uMngeni was the only council the DA controlled in KwaZulu-Natal after 2021, when it won with about 48% of the vote and a slim majority. This count widens that grip. Treat seats as provisional until the IEC formally declares the council.
What is the uMngeni seat split?
| Party | Seats |
|---|---|
| Democratic Alliance (DA) | 15 |
| uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK) | 5 |
| African National Congress (ANC) | 4 |
| Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) | 1 |
| Total | 25 |
| Seats needed for a majority | 13 |
Source: The Outlier uMngeni card (IEC data). Rateweb lists the same majority outcome, with the DA on about 61.1% of the vote (48,404 votes), MK 18.7% and the ANC 15.8%.
How did the wards fall?
On ESP's reading of IEC ward results, the DA took 10 ward seats, the ANC 2 and MK 1, with proportional-representation seats then topping parties up to the totals above. ESP showed the DA leading on the ward ballot with about 59.8% of ward votes.
IOL and the Mail & Guardian reported DA leaders claiming the party had also won every township ward in the municipality. That is party commentary, not an IEC seat declaration.
How does this fit KwaZulu-Natal?
uMngeni (Howick and surrounds) is a rare outright DA win in a province where MK leads the overall count and many councils are hung. Reported has already covered MK majorities in Richmond, iMpendle and Johannes Phumani Pungula and the hung picture in KwaDukuza, Mandeni, eShowe and Scottburgh.
In 2024's provincial vote, MK outpolled the DA in uMngeni. This local-council result reverses that on the municipal ballot (Mail & Guardian).
What happens next in uMngeni?
Once the IEC declares the council elected, the first council meeting must be held within 14 calendar days, where councillors elect a speaker and mayor under the Municipal Structures Act. With an outright majority, the DA can elect those office-bearers without needing a coalition partner, unless it chooses a broader deal. Chris Pappas is the DA's mayoral candidate for a second term, according to IOL and the Mail & Guardian.
Check live seat status on the IEC results dashboard, The Outlier and Rateweb. For the national hung-council picture, see Reported's 88 of 129 finished councils hung.
FAQ
Did the DA win a majority in uMngeni?
On provisional IEC-based tallies with seats declared, yes. The Outlier shows the DA on 15 of 25 seats, above the 13 needed for a majority.
How many seats does MK have in uMngeni?
The MK Party has 5 seats on the provisional Outlier seat tally, second behind the DA.
When must uMngeni elect a mayor?
After the IEC declares the council, the first meeting to elect a speaker and mayor must be held within 14 calendar days.