The JB Marks Local Municipality is one of 137 hung councils nationally, where no political party secured more than 50% of the vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections. This is a major increase from 70 hung councils in 2021.

The official results of the 2026 Elections were announced on Sunday, November 8, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Sandton. The elections were declared free and fair.

The number of hung councils highlights the diversity of voter choices and the possibility of coalition governments being formed to gain control of municipalities. The ANC won 33.15% of votes in JB Marks with the DA taking 31.78% of votes in JB Marks.

Mosotho Moepya, the current Chairperson of the IEC announced the results this evening.

Nationally, the African National Congress (ANC) took control of 53 municipalities and leads in 128 municipalities. The Democratic Alliance (DA) took control of 12 municipalities and leads in 32 municipalities. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leads in 19 municipalities and won five municipalities outright. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party leads in 19 municipalities and won five municipalities outright.

Rise Tstantsabane Communities gained control of one municipality and is leading in another.

“The elected representatives will need to find common ground. It is an expression of the choices that people have made, and it must be respected with humility. It is a responsibility to work together, even where political parties differ. Political parties must have a genuine commitment to the public good. They must be guided by what serves the communities of our towns, cities and villages,” stated President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“The delivery of services cannot be held hostage by political infighting. Government must be an engine of service delivery,” he added.

According to Ramaphosa, citizens exercised their fundamental democratic right by going to the polls, continuing a proud tradition of active participation since the dawn of democracy in 1994.

“Young South Africans from diverse backgrounds – including towns, villages, cities and farms, and across different generations – cast their ballots for the very first time. Voters are united by the shared conviction that their voices matter, their votes count, and they have the fundamental right to choose who governs them, which is what gives democracy its legitimacy.”

He added that democratic power does not belong to any single political party but is instead entrusted by the people to those they elect.

Ramaphosa also thanked IEC officials, the media and voters of all ages for their participation in making the democratic process a success.

Key statistics:

• Councils: A total of 213 councils, including 44 district councils.
• Seats available: A total of 10,526 seats.
• Parties and independents: The elections featured 520 political parties and 636 independent candidates.
• Candidates: A total of 137,000 candidates contested the elections.
• Registered voters: The voters’ roll stood at 29.2 million registered voters.
• Voter turnout: Of the registered voters, 14.9 million cast their ballots, resulting in a 52% voter turnout.

Survey conducted among voters on election day:

• Electoral integrity remained strong at 90%.
• Perceptions of freeness and fairness stood at 91%.
• 95% of voters were satisfied with the services provided by the commission.
• Trust in the IEC remained high at 81%.