DA targets governance in 60 councils after local polls
%2Ffile%2Fattachments%2Forphans%2Fimageoption2_277120.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in South Africa is aiming to expand its governance reach to 60 councils following the upcoming November 4 local elections. The party claims to have a strategic advantage due to early campaign planning and effective messaging.
Why it matters
The outcome of these local elections could significantly shift the balance of power in South Africa's major metropolitan areas.
The DA wants to become the largest party in Gauteng’s three metros and believes it has a chance of becoming part of government in 60 councils following the 4 November local elections.
31 Aug 2026 Illustrative image: Ashor Sarupen. (Photo: Fani Mahuntsi / Gallo Images) | (Graphic: Kevin Momberg) Dive Deeper Speed Read Summary Listen Dive Deeper Daily Maverick Associate Editor Ferial Haffajee speaks to DA’s federal council chairperson and head of elections, Ashor Sarupen, about the party’s early campaign start, its electoral targets, the battle for Gauteng’s metros, KwaZulu-Natal, voter fragmentation and the prospects for coalition reform before the 4 November local government election.
Ferial Haffajee: How is the campaign going?
Ashor Sarupen: I think we had first-mover advantage. We were the first to launch, the first to get messaging out and the first to get posters up.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in