The Democratic Alliance (DA) is within 1.2 percentage points of the ANC in the latest national polling, placing the party closer than ever to becoming South Africa’s largest political party, it said on Sunday.

The DA stands at 28.4% support nationally, with the ANC on 29.6%. The gap between the two parties has narrowed to the point where the DA is now within striking distance of overtaking the ANC, said Ashor Sarupen, DA national campaign manager.

The party is also on track to emerge as the largest party in many of South Africa’s major metros, with the potential to achieve majorities in several areas if DA voters turn out in force on 4 November for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

Polling gap narrows to historic low

For the first time in South Africa’s democratic history, the prospect of the DA overtaking the ANC is not a distant ambition. It is within reach, said Sarupen.

The ANC’s decades-long dominance is collapsing, and millions of South Africans are looking to the DA as a credible alternative that can govern, deliver and get municipalities working for all, the party says.

The DA is competing to win in every community across the country, and South Africans are ready to place their confidence in a party with a proven record of delivery.

More than a race for first place

The LGE on 4 November present an opportunity to translate this momentum into a historic electoral result, Sarupen said.

A strong performance would position the DA to lead governments in more municipalities and lay the foundation for the party to become South Africa’s largest political party nationally in 2029.

This election is about more than which party finishes first, the DA argues. It is about demonstrating that South Africa can move beyond the failures of the ANC and the instability of chaotic coalitions.

It is about building municipalities that work, delivering reliable services for all, creating an environment for investment and jobs, and putting honest, accountable government at the centre of public life.

A proven record of delivery

The DA says it has shown what is possible where it governs, and the 4 November elections present an opportunity to bring that standard of government to more communities across South Africa.

The latest polling confirms how competitive this election has become. The difference between the DA and the ANC is now so small that the final outcome will be determined by the choices South Africans make at the ballot box, said Sarupen.

A new political era

South Africa is entering a new political era, the Sarupen says. The party is closer than ever to becoming the country’s largest party, and the opportunity for change has never been greater.

On 4 November, South Africans have an opportunity to make history and open a new chapter of opportunity for all. A strong DA vote could see more of South Africa’s towns and cities working for everyone than ever before, the party says.

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