South African Local Election Polls Show Tight Metro Race

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: ANC and DA in Dead Heat Across Key Metros as MK Dominates eThekwini

The latest Ipsos poll reveals a fierce, neck-and-neck battle between the ANC and DA in major South African metros, with the political capital of Tshwane tilting toward the DA at 31%. While the ANC leads narrowly in Johannesburg at 31% to the DA’s 27%, Jacob Zuma’s MK Party is set for a massive surge in eThekwini with 55% support. With local elections on 4 November, pollsters note that final outcomes will heavily depend on voter turnout strategies across the contested provinces.

By Ferial Haffajee