MAKHANDA, Thursday 5 November 2026 — The African National Congress (ANC) has lost its outright majority in the Makana Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, leaving the financially troubled municipality facing coalition negotiations following South Africa’s local government elections.
The ANC secured 10 of the municipality’s 25 council seats after receiving just over 31% of the vote, according to results reported by Eyewitness News.
The outcome marks a significant reversal for the party, which previously held 14 of the 27 seats contested in the 2021 municipal elections.
No party secures a majority
The Democratic Alliance (DA) secured six seats with 27.24% of the vote.
The Makana United Civic Movement (MUCM), a local political formation, emerged as a significant participant in the new council after winning four seats with 19.51%.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Patriotic Alliance (PA), South African Communist Party (SACP), Makana and ActionSA each secured one seat.
A party or combination of parties will require at least 13 seats to command a majority in the 25-member council.
Coalition negotiations expected
The results leave several possible arrangements for forming a municipal government, although no coalition agreement has been confirmed.
The emergence of the Makana United Civic Movement could prove important in negotiations over the municipality’s future leadership.
Makana has experienced prolonged financial and administrative difficulties, alongside persistent concerns about municipal service delivery.
The new council will inherit responsibility for addressing those challenges while establishing a functioning political administration.
Attention will now turn to discussions between the parties and the election of the municipality’s mayor, speaker and other office-bearers.
