As vote counting continues, political parties are watching the leaderboard closely. As of this morning, the DA has taken an early lead in the 2026 local government elections in the City of Ekurhuleni, securing 41% of the votes counted so far, while parties await the outcome of a closely watched municipal contest.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), ActionSA is currently in second place, followed by the African National Congress (ANC) in third. The Freedom Front Plus is in fourth, while the EFF rounds out the top five.

The preliminary figures offer an early indication of the political landscape emerging in Ekurhuleni, where residents have been voting amid growing concerns about service delivery, municipal accountability and the future leadership of the metro.

Political instability and coalition past.

The municipality has experienced political instability during the current council term, with three mayors taking office, raising questions about political stability, coalition arrangements and the ability of successive administrations to maintain continuity in service delivery.

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One of the most striking features of the outgoing administration has been the appointment of three executive mayors since the 2021 local government elections: Tania Campbell of the DA, Sivuyile Ngodwana of the African Independent Congress (AIC), and the ANC’s Nkosindiphile Xhakaza. The changes reflect the complicated political arithmetic that followed the 2021 elections, when no party secured an outright majority in the 224-seat council.

Although the ANC emerged as the largest party with 86 seats, it fell short of the 113 seats required to govern independently.

The DA secured 65 seats, while the EFF obtained 31. Smaller parties, including ActionSA, became important players in determining who would control the municipality.

Primrose residents speak out

GCN spoke to Primrose ratepayers’ association representative David-Hutch Barr about the mood at the voting station yesterday and the community’s hopes for the incoming administration.

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“The voting went smoothly, with short queues, attentive staff, and proper priority for older and pregnant voters,” said Hutch Barr.

The association welcomed the efficient management on the day, but said the real test lies in what comes next.

He said residents want consistent service delivery and firm by-law enforcement.

The area has been riddled with persistent power interruptions, water throttling, and longstanding road problems.

Hutch Barr said residents want coordinated action on illegal land use, including an alleged rise in unauthorised businesses, liquor outlets and visible building violations.

On the issue of zama zamas, the community is demanding a permanent solution. “Police are overwhelmed with this matter. More coordinated interventions are needed with law enforcement stationed on site until the problem is sorted,” said Hutch Barr.