Preliminary election results in Tshwane point to a changing political landscape, with the DA and ActionSA recording the most support in early counting.
According to the latest available data from the IEC, as shown by ESP, the DA has secured 29.7% of the proportional votes, followed by ActionSA with 26.2% and the ANC with 21.7%. This count reflected 164 of the metro’s 796 voting districts and remains preliminary.
The figures differ significantly from the previous municipal election in 2021. The ANC secured 34.6% of the votes in Tshwane at that time, compared to the DA’s 32% and ActionSA’s 8.6%.
Coalition talks remain key factor
The results place focus on the possibility of further coalition negotiations in Tshwane.
ActionSA’s support has grown substantially since 2021, while the ANC’s share has declined. The DA and ActionSA’s respective support levels could play an important role in talks about the new city council.
The metro has had several mayors and coalition arrangements in recent years, which has created political uncertainty over the city’s management.
More than 500 informal settlements
One of the biggest challenges for the new city council is the growing housing crisis.
According to reports, the number of informal settlements in Tshwane has increased from 220 in 2020 to 502 in 2026.
The metro spends more than R1.5 billion annually on basic services in these areas, while the estimated cost to address the crisis stands at about R32.5 billion.
In Plastic View in Pretoria East, between 10 000 and 13 000 people live in difficult conditions, with poor sanitation and a high fire risk.
Billions in financial pressure
Tshwane’s financial position is another major concern. According to EWN, the metro owes about R6.66 billion to Eskom and has entered into a five-year payment arrangement to settle the amount.
The water crisis also remains a priority. The cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal in 2023, during which at least 25 people died, placed the metro’s water infrastructure under the spotlight.
The estimated cost to repair the Rooiwal water treatment plant stands at approximately R4 billion.
The new city council will need to ensure political stability and make urgent decisions on housing, water, finances and service delivery.
