Welkom, Kroonstad, Mthatha results: ANC under 50% in most towns
Provisional IEC results show the ANC ahead in most Free State and Eastern Cape towns but mostly under 50%, a near tie in Kroonstad and a clear DA win in Kouga.
The ANC is ahead in most Free State and Eastern Cape towns outside the metros, but under 50% in nearly all of them. The DA has a narrow lead in Kroonstad (Moqhaka) and has won Kouga (Jeffreys Bay) comfortably, according to provisional IEC results compiled by The Outlier on Thursday afternoon.
Makana (Makhanda) has finished counting with the ANC on 31.3%, the DA on 27.5% and a local party, listed as MUCM, on 19.1%.
Who leads in each Free State and Eastern Cape council?
| Council | Main town | Counted | Leader | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kouga | Jeffreys Bay | 100% | DA 58.6% | ANC 24.7% |
| Makana | Makhanda | 100% | ANC 31.3% | DA 27.5% |
| Enoch Mgijima | Komani (Queenstown) | 95% | ANC 44.6% | DA 15.8% |
| King Sabata Dalindyebo | Mthatha | 43% | ANC 50.8% | ATM 11.4% |
| Dihlabeng | Bethlehem | 99% | ANC 47.6% | DA 29.2% |
| Moqhaka | Kroonstad | 87% | DA 34.6% | ANC 33.9% |
| Metsimaholo | Sasolburg | 66% | ANC 31.4% | DA 22.5% |
| Maluti a Phofung | Phuthaditjhaba | 64% | ANC 30.4% | DA 22.8% |
| Matjhabeng | Welkom | 41% | ANC 39.2% | DA 31.2% |
Source: The Outlier council results, from IEC data. Counted is the share of voting districts captured; vote shares are of votes counted so far.
Which councils are heading for coalitions?
Kroonstad is the tightest race in the table, with the DA and ANC less than a point apart and 13% of districts still to come. In Maluti a Phofung, a party listed as ACM has 20.5%, close behind the DA. Sasolburg has four parties above 10%, including a local party listed as SMM (The Outlier).
Only Kouga and possibly Mthatha have a party at or above half the vote so far.
What happens if no party wins a majority?
Parties must form a coalition or minority government, and the new council has to meet within 14 days of the results being declared to elect a mayor. Reported's hung council explainer has the details. The IEC expects to announce final results around 11 November.
Where can you check your own ward?
The official IEC results dashboard shows results by municipality and ward. All figures are provisional until the IEC declares them.
FAQ
Who is winning Kroonstad (Moqhaka) in the 2026 local elections?
With 87% of voting districts counted, the DA has 34.6% and the ANC 33.9%. Results are provisional.
Who won Makana (Makhanda)?
Counting is complete with the ANC on 31.3%, the DA on 27.5% and MUCM on 19.1%, so no party has a majority of the vote.
When will final results be announced?
The IEC expects to declare final results around 11 November 2026.