Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis on Friday described the local government election results as a “good day for South Africa” and an historic opportunity to turn towns and cities around, as the party claimed significant advances across metros and rural areas.

Outright majority in Cape Town and gains in four other metros

In a statement released on 6 November 2026, Hill-Lewis said the DA is the only part that will govern a metro with an outright majority after voters in Cape Town delivered a “resounding endorsement that exceeded our expectations.” The party also emerged as the largest in four other metros – Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Nelson Mandela Bay.

“We will grow our national standing, and have taken a step forward on our mission of being the largest party in South Africa,” he said. The DA gained 104 new wards and roughly 233 new councillors nationwide.

Support across urban, rural and township communities

Hill-Lewis highlighted that the party had won in both urban centres and deep rural areas, including Mount Ayliff, Fort Beaufort, Emfuleni and uMngeni. He said the results show a “growing, stronger DA that is now deeply embedded in every single community in the country.”

“We can now say with certainty that roughly one million black South Africans voted for the Democratic Alliance on Wednesday, making us a mainstream party in every community, whether you are black, white, coloured or Indian,” he stated. The party recorded its highest-ever support in Cape Town's townships and similar gains in townships elsewhere, particularly where it already governs.

Hill-Lewis thanked voters who placed their trust in the DA and said the party understood the responsibility that comes with that support. “We will work every day to honour it.”

Coalition talks begin with focus on service delivery

He called on political leaders to put aside differences now that the campaign is over and prioritise the people of South Africa. The DA, he said, is ready to begin talks and will approach negotiations with respect for the mandate each party received from voters.

“The country's attention will now turn to the upcoming coalition negotiations. These towns and cities desperately need long, sustained progress under inclusive, capable and honest leadership,” Hill-Lewis said.

He outlined the DA's preferred focus for any governing coalitions: getting water into people's taps, delivering reliable services, making streets safer, and creating an environment in which businesses can grow and create jobs.

Invitation to parties that put residents first

The party has already begun reaching out to all parties. Hill-Lewis invited any party willing to put residents first to join discussions around a shared programme of good government. Partners would need to commit to integrity in local government, zero tolerance for corruption, merit-based appointments, sound financial management and measurable improvements in basic services.

“These principles must apply equally to the DA and to every partner in a government we lead,” he said. The DA does not intend to negotiate through the media but will publish all coalition agreements once they are concluded. “Every agreement we reach must be an agreement to serve residents of the cities and towns we lead.”

Longer-term ambition

Hill-Lewis reiterated the party's longer-term ambition to become the largest party in South Africa, describing the latest results as a “big step forward” toward that goal. “Our preparations to achieve that goal begin now. We are focused, we are excited, and the momentum is firmly with us.”

“South Africa can work for everyone. The DA is ready to do our part,” he concluded.