Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says the party has taken a significant step forward in the 2026 Local Government Elections, describing the emerging results as encouraging and calling on political parties to prioritise residents as coalition negotiations approach.
Speaking as election results continued to emerge, Hill-Lewis said the end of the election campaign marked an opportunity for political parties to focus on improving people’s lives and addressing the challenges facing municipalities.
He said the DA was on course to become the largest party in four metropolitan municipalities, including Tshwane and the City of Johannesburg, while maintaining that it would be the only party able to govern a metropolitan municipality outright in the City of Cape Town.
Hill-Lewis also said the party could now claim the support of more than one million black voters, which he described as evidence that the DA was becoming a mainstream political party representing South Africans across the country.
He thanked voters who had supported the party, saying the DA was grateful for the confidence placed in it.
DA invites parties to coalition talks
Hill-Lewis said coalition governments would be required in approximately two-thirds of South African municipalities, describing this as a significant development in the country’s political landscape.
He invited political parties that wanted to prioritise South Africa and improve municipalities to participate in coalition discussions with the DA.
He said the party wanted coalition governments built on integrity, accountability and zero tolerance for corruption, adding that accountability would be non-negotiable.
According to Hill-Lewis, municipal administrations should focus on practical improvements, including reliable water supply, fixing roads, safer streets and creating opportunities for more people to find employment.
“We know what towns and cities need to turn around. They need governments with integrity and zero tolerance for corruption. There must be accountability, that is not negotiable but essential,” he said.
He added that coalition agreements would not be negotiated through the media, but promised that once agreements had been concluded, they would be made public so residents could hold the parties involved accountable.
DA already looking towards 2029
The DA leader also indicated that preparations for the 2029 National Elections would begin immediately.
He described the party’s performance in the municipal elections as an important step forward and expressed confidence in its vision of building a South Africa that works for everyone.
“Now is our chance to begin the long but absolutely necessary turnaround. And we must take that chance. It’s time to put people first now that the cut and thrust that comes with elections is over,” Hill-Lewis said.
He concluded by describing the week as an exciting moment for South Africa, saying the DA believed more than ever that the country could work for all.
