Western Cape political realignment ahead of 2026 local elections

As the 2026 local elections approach, political competition in the Western Cape is intensifying. The contest has evolved into a three-way struggle between the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and the African National Congress (ANC), marked by a steady flow of councillor defections.

The ANC appears to be under particular strain. A number of prominent figures have left the party to join the DA. These include George Ward 25 councillor Jarques Esau, a long-standing ANC member since his teenage years; former ANC Western Cape secretary Neville Delport; and councillors Paul Strauss, Daniel Baadjies and Jason Donn. Several defectors have cited dissatisfaction with the ANC’s governance record and argue that the DA offers a more credible platform for administrative stability and service delivery.

In some cases, the political shift has already been tested at the ballot box. Strauss and Baadjies have successfully retained or reclaimed council seats under the DA banner in recent by-elections. DA leaders have publicly welcomed the new members and framed the defections as evidence of growing support ahead of 2026.

The DA, however, is also facing pressure. The PA has recruited several DA councillors in George, including mayoral committee members Marchell Kleynhans and Brendon Adams, as well as chief whip Theresa Jeyi. In Saldanha Bay, further defections have contributed to by-election losses for the DA, weakening its coalition position.

The pattern suggests that councillor mobility has become a central feature of Western Cape politics. Reports indicate that additional ANC councillors may be considering departure amid internal divisions. Political analysts suggest that many of these moves are strategic, as individuals position themselves for influence in municipalities where control is likely to be closely contested.

Policy positioning also differs among the parties. The PA has emphasised stricter immigration policies and populist appeals, while the DA continues to focus on clean governance and administrative competence. The ANC, meanwhile, is attempting to stabilise its structures while retaining its remaining local support base.

With margins expected to be tight in several municipalities, defections and by-elections are likely to play a decisive role in shaping control after 2026.