South Africa's November local elections could produce hung city councils

South Africa's local government elections on 4 November are set to leave several of the country's largest municipalities without a clear majority. The Economic Freedom Fighters and uMkhonto weSizwe Party, led by Julius Malema and Jacob Zuma respectively, could command between 20% and 25% of council seats in metros such as Johannesburg, Tshwane, eThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay and Ekurhuleni. If neither the African National Congress nor the Democratic Alliance secures an outright majority, the two parties may become kingmakers, influencing mayoral appointments, budget allocations and service‑delivery portfolios.

An accompanying explainer notes that ward councillors, elected to represent local communities, have a narrowly defined role: they can advocate for residents, chair ward committees and facilitate public participation, but they cannot hire staff, award tenders, appoint municipal employees or direct officials. Misconceptions about councillors' powers are common during campaign promises.