Municipal elections: DA sticks to its stalwarts as ANC & EFF look to wrestle control of Cape Town

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is banking on its experienced leadership to retain control of the City of Cape Town, while the African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are intensifying their efforts to challenge the party’s dominance in the upcoming municipal elections.

Political analysts suggest that the DA’s strategy of relying on established stalwarts is a defensive move aimed at maintaining stability in the metro, which has long been the party’s stronghold. However, the opposition parties are sensing an opportunity to capitalize on shifting voter sentiments.

The upcoming elections represent a critical juncture for the City of Cape Town, as the political landscape becomes increasingly competitive and the margin for error narrows for the incumbent party.

Both the ANC and the EFF have been actively campaigning across the city, focusing on issues such as service delivery, housing, and economic inequality to sway voters who may be disillusioned with the current administration. The race for the metro is expected to be one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 local government elections.