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Eastern Cape ANC prepares for possible coalitions after losses

Published

The ANC in the Eastern Cape lost wards and council seats in Buffalo City Metro, King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality and several Sarah Baartman District municipalities. Provincial chairperson Oscar Mabuyane said the party wants to keep services running.

Mabuyane spoke to the media on the 2026 local government elections. He said coalition talks have not yet started. The party will judge its performance when it receives a comprehensive report and a proper analysis.

He said the result should not be blamed on any one person. He called it an expression of democracy and of the will of the people. The ANC in the province described the losses as a moment of reflection ahead of future elections.

Mabuyane also spoke about the Sarah Baartman District. He said the ANC will face definite challenges if its attitude does not recognise that Afrikaans-speaking people are the majority there.

Key facts

Who
Oscar Mabuyane (ANC Provincial Chairperson (Eastern Cape)); African National Congress (governing party; Eastern Cape provincial structure lost wards and council seats)
What
The ANC Eastern Cape, through provincial chairperson Oscar Mabuyane, says it is preparing for possible coalition governments to ensure continued service delivery and acknowledges its electoral shortcomings. Mabuyane says coalitions have not yet been discussed and that the party will assess its performance once it receives a comprehensive report.
When
6 November 2026
Where
Eastern Cape, Buffalo City Metro, King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality
Status
Reported

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