African National Congress (ANC)

Rule Changes

Largest party at 30.76%; 127 councils hung; leadership meeting on coalition strategy

Final results give the African National Congress 30.76% of the municipal vote, down from 45.59% in 2021. The Democratic Alliance finished second at 24.64% and Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe Party third at 9.76%. The DA won Cape Town outright, and no party took a majority in the other seven metros.

Updated 2 days ago

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Governing party driving South Africa's pro-Palestinian policy

South Africa and Israel have expelled each other's top diplomats, leaving neither country with a senior representative in the other. On January 30, 2026, South Africa declared Israeli chargé d'affaires Ariel Seidman persona non grata for using embassy social media to insult President Cyril Ramaphosa. Hours later, Israel reciprocated by expelling South Africa's chargé d'affaires Shaun Byneveldt. Both were ordered to leave within 72 hours.

Updated May 26

Force in Play

As of May 2026: Governing party supporting land reform

President Trump cut all US aid to South Africa on February 7, 2025—$440 million annually, most for HIV treatment—over a land law allowing seizure without compensation. He called it discrimination against white farmers.

Updated May 19