Maruleng Local Municipality in Limpopo’s Mopani District has become the first municipality to complete the counting of votes in the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The African National Congress (ANC) has fallen short of securing an outright majority after winning 13 seats, one seat short of the 14 required to govern the municipality independently.
The results show a closely contested political landscape, with the remaining 13 seats shared among other political parties.
The ANC secured 50.24% of the votes, followed by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which obtained 10.30% and secured three seats.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) also won three seats after receiving 10.07% of the vote.
Local parties made their presence felt, with the Maruleng Communities Movement (MCM) securing two seats after obtaining 7.64%, while Civic Warriors (CW) also won two seats with 7.06% of the vote.
Meanwhile, newcomers the South African Communist Party (SACP) secured one seat, while the African Freedom Party (AFP) and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) each obtained one seat.
Despite emerging as the leading party, the ANC will need to consider its options for securing the support required to govern the municipality, as it does not have an outright majority.
The results could pave the way for coalition negotiations as parties consider how to establish a governing arrangement in Maruleng.