DA Claims Historic Growth Among Black Voters as Support Passes One Million

DA Cites Landmark Shift in Black Voter Support

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has declared a historic milestone, claiming that more than one million black South Africans voted for the party in the latest local government elections. This announcement was made following Wednesday’s polls, as DA Federal Council first deputy chairperson Ashor Sarupen addressed the media at the Results Operations Centre in Midrand.

Internal Projections Indicate Major Gains

Sarupen shared that, according to the DA’s parallel vote tabulation system, the party has achieved its strongest support among black voters to date. The DA believes it has attracted more black support in this election than the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which could point to a significant change in the South African political landscape.

“For the first time in our history, more than one million black South Africans voted for the DA,”

he said, describing it as one of the boldest political claims made since voting concluded.

Projections Pending Certification

While Sarupen stressed that these figures are based on internal projections and must still be verified by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), he underlined their broader significance. According to Sarupen, the numbers reflect a growing willingness among voters to support parties based on performance rather than identity.

“For too long, South African politics has been defined by the assumption that the colour of your skin determines who you vote for.”

He argued that the DA has long championed the idea that South Africa can unite behind inclusive governance and shared progress, rather than division.

Growth in Townships and Traditional ANC Areas

The DA’s internal data points to increasing support in townships and traditionally ANC-dominated communities across the country. Sarupen highlighted projected support at around 15% in Gauteng townships, 10% in Cape Town townships, and notable advances in both township and rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

He added that the party expects to gain wards from other parties, including in places like uMngeni in KwaZulu-Natal.

Campaign Focus: Service Delivery and Opportunity

Sarupen said the DA’s election campaign revolved around offering South Africans the promise of functional governance, reliable service delivery, and improved economic prospects. The party advocated for making towns and cities work for all residents and emphasised the importance of unity and getting the basics right.

The DA claims that these issues resonated with voters who have grown dissatisfied with long-standing political loyalties, especially where existing parties have failed to deliver on essential services.

Voters Demand Accountability

When asked about whether rising support for the DA reflects belief in its policies or merely disillusionment with the ANC’s record on service delivery, water shortages, power failures, and infrastructure, Sarupen maintained that ultimate accountability lies with the voters.

“All South Africans have the ability to hold their political parties accountable. It’s the vote. If parties don’t deliver on their promises, you vote them out.”

He suggested that many citizens are now willing to reconsider their support for parties that have struggled to meet expectations.

The DA’s Governing Record as a Selling Point

Sarupen pointed to the DA-run uMngeni Municipality as an example of successful turnaround, noting that it moved from a state of serious disarray and debt five years ago to stable, functional services under DA leadership. The party believes such local governance achievements helped convince voters across different communities to put their trust in the DA.

Towards Non-Racial Politics

Looking at the broader implications, Sarupen argued that voters are moving beyond race-based political appeals. He described the recent results as evidence that the “old racial boundaries” are losing their influence, and that more South Africans want to be defined by quality governance rather than historical divisions.

“South Africa is not simply an aspirational idea of a country for all, but it’s something that South Africans are choosing to build together.”

He suggested that these trends could signal the start of a new era in South African politics where voters demand competence, accountability, and meaningful service delivery from their leaders, regardless of their backgrounds.

Significance for South Africa’s Political Future

As the dust settles on the 2026 local government elections, the DA’s claimsonce confirmed or challenged by official resultscould reshape perceptions about political loyalty and community representation in South Africa. While the IEC is yet to certify the final outcome, many observers will be closely watching whether this projected milestone leads to a lasting transformation in the country’s democratic landscape.