Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Roy Jankielsohn MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL.
The DA in the Free State is grateful to voters in the province for their support from across all communities. The DA vote has grown from 18,7% in 2021 to 27,53% in 2026.
In Mangaung Metro, there are now a mere 1881 votes between the DA and the ANC, with the DA obtaining 33,49% and the ANC 33,91%.
We have gained another seat allocation, following a recount, which brings the ANC down to 35 seats in council, compared to the DA’s now 34 seats.
The DA has grown our number of councillors at local government level from 113 councillors to 161.
The DA’s growth is due to the commitment of our DA family in the Free State, who worked tirelessly in all communities. Most of this growth comes from former ANC supporters.
The outcome places the DA on a trajectory of growth as we work towards the provincial and national elections in 2029.
We are on track to become the largest party in the Free State in the next provincial election, where we will then take our record of good governance to the entire province.