DA eyes coalition talks after strong showing in 2026 local elections

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says the party will focus on forming stable local governments following what he described as a significant advance for the party in the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Speaking at the DA’s Results Operations Centre (ROC) on Friday, Hill-Lewis said the party was ready to engage other political parties on forming governments in municipalities where coalition arrangements would be required.

He said the election had presented the DA with an opportunity to play a greater role in governing towns and cities across the country.

“Now that the rough and tumble of the election campaign is done, leaders must lift their sights, put aside their differences, and prioritise the people of South Africa,” Hill-Lewis said.

According to the DA leader, the party will remain focused on its ambition of becoming the largest political party in South Africa.

The DA said it would retain control of Cape Town with an outright majority and emerge as the largest party in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Nelson Mandela Bay.

Hill-Lewis said the party was also expected to gain 104 wards and approximately 233 councillors nationally.

He further claimed that about one million black South Africans voted for the DA in Wednesday’s elections, describing the result as evidence that the party had expanded its support across different communities.

“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 said.

DA prepares for coalition negotiations

With coalition negotiations expected to shape the leadership of several municipalities, Hill-Lewis said the DA had already begun approaching political parties about possible partnerships.

He said the party wanted coalition governments to focus on basic service delivery, financial management and economic development rather than political disputes.

“The country's attention will now turn to the upcoming coalition negotiations,” Hill-Lewis said.

“These towns and cities desperately need long, sustained progress under inclusive, capable, and honest leadership.”

The DA said it would seek partners who support what it described as integrity in local government, zero tolerance for corruption, merit-based appointments, sound financial management and measurable improvements in basic services.

Hill-Lewis said coalition agreements would be made public once negotiations were concluded, although the party did not intend to conduct the discussions through the media.

“We do not intend to conduct these negotiations through the media. But we will publish all our coalition agreements publicly once they are concluded,” he said.

DA wants to expand support

Hill-Lewis said the party would use its performance in government to attract more voters ahead of future elections.

He said the DA would focus on connecting with more South Africans, responding to their concerns and demonstrating that its governance could improve residents’ living conditions.

The DA leader said the party’s immediate priority was to ensure that municipalities emerging from the elections had stable governments capable of delivering services.

“We must have governing coalitions that focus on getting water into people’s taps, delivering reliable services, making streets safer, and creating an environment in which businesses can grow and create jobs,” Hill-Lewis said.

He added that the DA was prepared to work with parties willing to put residents ahead of political interests.

“South Africa can work for everyone. The DA is ready to do our part,” Hill-Lewis said.