The African National Congress (ANC) retained its status as the largest party in the North West province following the 2026 local government elections, though it suffered a marked decline in support across the region. Official results released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) show the ANC secured 44.3% of the proportional representation (PR) vote, down sharply from 55.43% in 2021.
News24’s detailed count recorded the ANC’s provincial vote at 44.66%, confirming the party’s significant loss but continued lead. According to GroundUp, the ANC lost control of eight municipalities and now holds an outright majority in only seven councils. Meanwhile, independent data show 11 of the province’s 18 municipalities are now hung councils, requiring coalition arrangements.
Tswaing remains under ANC control, with the party winning 16 of 28 seats and holding 56.4% of the PR vote. In contrast, Matlosana saw the ANC drop to 32 of 77 seats, resulting in a council without a majority. Similarly, Ditsobotla’s council remains hung after the ANC took 18 of 39 seats. GroundUp notes that Ditsobotla has been governed through unstable coalitions since the council was dissolved and re-elected in 2022 amid governance and service delivery challenges.
“Despite dwindling support for the ANC across the North West – the party has lost 86 council seats since the 2021 election – it remains the province’s biggest party,” said GroundUp reporter Seth Thorne. The decline highlights the growing political complexity and instability in municipalities burdened with service delivery failures, financial mismanagement, and coalition tensions.
These election results reflect wider governance challenges in the province, where national intervention was imposed in Ditsobotla in September 2025 because of failed services and mismanagement. The rise in hung councils marks a shift from the ANC’s previous dominance and signals the need for negotiations and power-sharing arrangements to ensure effective local governance.
The 2026 local elections underscore shifting political dynamics that affect service delivery and community trust. For Cape Flats residents, many of whom follow provincial politics closely, this serves as a reminder of how political instability and governance issues in provinces like the North West may resonate nationally.
The official final IEC results and ongoing coalition talks will further clarify the province’s council compositions and leadership in the coming weeks. Cape Flats News will continue monitoring these developments to provide updates on how political changes in North West shape service delivery and governance.