DA dominates new Joburg poll

Made in Workshop - Makerspace in Johannesburg

Joburg’s political shift: 70 percent unhappy. The political architecture of South Africa’s richest metro has cracked wide open.

Catch up quick: New survey numbers from eNCA and MarkData show the Democratic Alliance opening a staggering lead in Johannesburg, capturing 35% of voter support. The ruling African National Congress has plunged to under 22%.

By the numbers: The city’s electorate is atomising into a multi-party battlefield:

· DA: 35%

· ANC: Under 22%

· uMkhonto weSizwe (MK): 12.5%

· EFF: 11.9%

· ActionSA: 10.3%

· Patriotic Alliance: 3.7%

Why it matters: Johannesburg has historically anchored ANC municipal power. Even during chaotic coalition experiments in 2016 and 2021, the party remained the single largest bloc. These figures signal a total collapse of that baseline.

“This is fascinating, to have five parties with over 10% of the vote… and this again points to fragmentation.” Wayne Sussman, Elections Analyst

By the numbers: The city’s electorate is atomising into a multi-party battlefield:

· DA: 35%

· ANC: Under 22%

· uMkhonto weSizwe (MK): 12.5%

· EFF: 11.9%

· ActionSA: 10.3%

· Patriotic Alliance: 3.7%

Between the lines: Five distinct parties commanding double-digit backing guarantees that stable governance will require complex, fragile dealmaking. Rise Mzansi, the IFP, and BOSA sit trapped on the margins, eclipsed by the populist muscle of MK and the EFF.

The bottom line: South Africa’s economic engine is entering uncharted coalition territory. If these numbers translate to the ballot box, the ANC’s urban dominance is irreversibly broken.