“The ANC and DA successfully defended their positions in the 24 June 2026 municipal by-elections, securing seats in Bushbuckridge (Mpumalanga) and Rustenburg (North West). These results reinforce the dominance of established parties while signaling the challenges smaller parties face in breaking through ahead of the November 2026 municipal elections.”
South Africa’s political landscape continues to evolve as the country prepares for the November 2026 municipal elections, with the latest by-elections offering a glimpse into voter sentiment. On 24 June 2026, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) oversaw municipal by-elections in Mpumalanga and North West provinces. The results, announced on 26 June, confirmed that the African National Congress (ANC) retained its seat in Bushbuckridge Municipality, while the Democratic Alliance (DA) held onto its seat in Rustenburg Municipality.
Key Results
- Bushbuckridge Municipality (Mpumalanga): ANC retained its ward with 60.91% support, securing 2,407 votes.
- Rustenburg Municipality (North West): DA retained its ward with 22.72% support, securing 898 votes.
- EFF Performance: The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) garnered 11.03% support, reflecting growing but limited influence.
Voter Turnout and Participation
The by-elections saw 4,000 total votes cast, with 3,952 valid votes and 48 spoilt ballots. While turnout was modest, the results are significant as they reflect voter confidence in established parties. The IEC emphasized the importance of these by-elections as a barometer for the upcoming nationwide municipal elections.
Political Implications
- ANC’s Stability: Despite national challenges, the ANC’s ability to retain seats demonstrates its enduring grassroots support.
- DA’s Consolidation: The DA’s retention in Rustenburg highlights its continued relevance in urban and semi-urban constituencies.
- EFF’s Growth: Although not winning seats, the EFF’s double-digit support signals potential gains in November, particularly among younger voters.
Context Ahead of November 2026
The November 4, 2026 municipal elections will be the most consequential since the formation of the Government of National Unity in 2024. With 28.5 million registered voters and over 477,000 new registrations in June 2026 alone, the electorate is younger and more diverse than ever. This demographic shift could reshape outcomes, especially in competitive municipalities.
Challenges Facing Parties
- ANC: Must address governance concerns and corruption perceptions while maintaining grassroots mobilization.
- DA: Needs to expand beyond traditional urban bases to rural constituencies.
- EFF: Faces the challenge of converting growing support into actual seats.
IEC’s Role
The IEC continues to emphasize voter education, transparency, and digital innovation in election management. Its recent campaigns highlight the constitutional imperative of voting and the importance of youth participation.
Conclusion
The June 2026 by-elections reaffirm the dominance of the ANC and DA while highlighting the EFF’s growing presence. As South Africa heads toward the November municipal elections, these results underscore the resilience of established parties and the challenges newcomers face in reshaping the political order. The stakes are high, with coalition politics likely to play a decisive role in shaping governance at the municipal level.
