MIDRAND, GAUTENG — As the 2026 Local Government Elections continue to unfold at the national results centre, the political landscape in the province is shifting dramatically. The African Transformation Movement (ATM) is celebrating unprecedented electoral growth, while the South African Communist Party (SACP) is making history with its first independent electoral contest.
ATM Celebrates 100% Growth and Strategic Messaging
Speaking from the results centre, an ATM spokesperson confirmed that the party is highly satisfied with its performance, particularly regarding its Johannesburg mayoral candidate, Vuyo Zungula. The spokesperson noted that Zungula was the perfect candidate due to his dynamic, educated approach and his targeted messaging. Key policy focuses included reclaiming inner-city buildings for South Africans, combating *zama zamas* (illegal miners), ring-fencing the microeconomic space, and addressing human issues such as the poisoning of young children through contaminated food.
With 64% of the votes counted, the ATM is currently sitting at 39% in Johannesburg. The party is reporting a definitive 100% growth compared to its 2021 results, where it secured 55 councillors, including a municipal mayor and a speaker. The ATM set out to double those numbers, a mission the spokesperson confirmed has been achieved.
Highlighting extraordinary gains, the party has successfully snatched five rural wards from traditional ANC strongholds in areas like Yandeni, proving that their messaging resonates even in deeply entrenched rural communities. Furthermore, the ATM has submitted over 7,000 councillor candidates, ensuring wall-to-wall coverage. Specific regional growth is also evident, with the party reporting 12% in Ap Kuma, 15% in the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela area, and a massive 200% growth in Buffalo City.
SACP Makes Historic Independent Debut
The election also marks a historic milestone for the SACP, which contested independently for the first time. SACP First Deputy President Madala Masuku expressed satisfaction with the party’s reception, noting that the decision to break from the Tripartite Alliance was finalized in 2022 specifically for the 2026 electoral cycle.
Masuku explained that the independent run was driven by the working class and the poor, who felt their voices were dwindling in parliament compared to the struggle days. Communities had warned the alliance in 2020 and 2024 that they felt unrepresented. The primary challenge for the SACP was brand recognition; because they previously spoke with a collective alliance view, voters were unfamiliar with their independent platform.
However, the grassroots response exceeded all expectations. Anticipating only 500 to 800 votes, the SACP secured support in 4,435 out of 4,485 voting stations. Masuku highlighted that community members have been independently campaigning, funding volunteers, and providing campaign materials out of their own pockets.
Looking to the future, the SACP introduced a strict accountability model. Masuku stated that the party will evaluate its elected candidates every six months. If constituents are unhappy after 12 months, the party will consult the people on whether to give the candidate another chance or recall them, ensuring representatives do not simply wait out a full five-year term. Currently, the SACP is sitting at approximately 2% to 2.5% of the vote share.
Gauteng Provincial Standings
Gauteng remains a critical province to watch as the 2026 Local Government Elections conclude. In the latest provincial updates, the Democratic Alliance (DA) is leading the share of valid votes at 35.5%. However, in terms of actual seat allocations, the African National Congress (ANC) currently holds a slight advantage with 67 seats compared to the DA’s 65 seats.
