DA 'determined to expand footprint' with 2026 local government elections, says Steenhuisen

CAPE TOWN - As the Democratic Alliance (DA) pushes for axed former Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink to return to office - the party’s leader John Steenhuisen believes the party is well-poised to improve its electoral performance in the 2026 local government elections.

Following the party’s two-day federal executive meeting over the weekend, Steenhuisen said the party is now fully focused on building momentum ahead of the next polls.

Firmly entrenched as the major player in the Government of National Unity (GNU), Steenhuisen said the party is more unified than ever.

The DA obtained just under 22% of the vote in the 2021 municipal polls.

After this weekend’s crucial party meeting of both national and provincial leadership, Steenhuisen said the party is confident it can snatch more metros and municipalities in the next elections.

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He believes the party’s performance in this year’s national polls can propel it to emerge as the biggest party in major metros.

"The successes of the 2024 election have set the DA on a powerful trajectory, and we are more determined than ever before to expand our footprint in 2026."

As Gauteng metros battle instability over the lack of an outright majority, Steenhuisen said the party is ready to raise the bar.

"This two-day meeting thoroughly explored the current state of the South African political landscape - focussing on election opportunities, potential threats, and meticulous preparations required for the campaign ahead."

On Monday night, the DA’s former leadership in the City of Tshwane will outline their next course of action in the beleaguered metro.