MIDRAND, Monday 9 November 2026 — Floyd Shivambu’s Afrika Mayibuye Movement has secured 57 seats across 34 municipal councils in seven provinces, establishing a presence in local government after contesting its first municipal elections.
Shivambu confirmed the figures on Sunday evening at the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand following the Electoral Commission’s announcement of the 2026 local government election results.
New party establishes municipal representation
Shivambu said the party had achieved its principal objective of entering municipal councils and gaining a voice in local government decisions.
According to the party leader, its 57 seats are distributed across 34 municipalities in seven provinces.
The result gives Afrika Mayibuye a presence in municipal government beyond a single province, although its representation varies between councils.
The movement entered the election as a relatively new political organisation led by Shivambu, a former senior Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party figure.
Shivambu targets influence in major municipalities
Shivambu said Afrika Mayibuye intends to participate in decisions about the formation of municipal governments, including in Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay and Tshwane.
He also identified Polokwane and Emfuleni as municipalities where the movement expects to have a voice in council affairs.
His comments signal the party’s intention to participate in coalition negotiations and municipal governance rather than confining its activities to opposition campaigning.
However, the movement has not announced a formal coalition agreement with any political party.
Fragmented councils create opportunities
The 2026 local government elections have produced numerous councils without an outright majority, requiring parties to negotiate governing arrangements.
Smaller parties may influence the election of mayors and speakers where their councillors hold sufficient votes to affect the outcome.
Afrika Mayibuye’s entry into 34 municipal councils could give it opportunities to participate in these negotiations, although the extent of its influence will depend on the distribution of seats in each municipality.
The party is expected to outline its approach to coalition negotiations as newly elected councils prepare for their inaugural meetings.
