The African National Congress (ANC) has retained its position as the largest political party in the North West following the 2026 Local Government Elections, despite a decline in electoral support that the party partly attributes to persistent service delivery challenges.
The ANC secured 44.1% of the combined ward and proportional representation (PR) vote across the province.
Speaking during a media briefing in Mahikeng, where the party reviewed its election performance, ANC North West Provincial Chairperson Nono Maloyi acknowledged growing dissatisfaction among communities, despite what the party described as its achievements over the past 32 years.
Maloyi conceded that residents expected more from the ANC and that service delivery challenges had contributed to the loss of support.
He said the party had recognised during its election campaign that, although it had made progress in improving people’s lives, much more still needed to be done.
Maloyi also acknowledged that some communities had lost hope, stressing the need for councillors to improve communication and accountability.
He said newly elected councillors would be expected to engage with communities daily rather than limiting interactions to monthly meetings. This, he said, would ensure residents received regular feedback on government interventions and efforts to address their challenges.
The ANC recorded its strongest performances in Kagisano-Molopo, where it secured 63.6% of the vote, followed by Moretele and Tswaing, both at 56.5%. It also received 55.8% in Ratlou, 54.2% in Maquassi Hills and 50.6% in Moses Kotane.
In key municipalities, the party secured 41.5% in Madibeng, 33.2% in JB Marks, 41.2% in Matlosana, 38.2% in Rustenburg and 44.3% in Mahikeng.
The party attributed the fragmented electoral outcome partly to increased political competition, with more political parties and independent candidates contesting the elections.
Despite the decline in its overall support, the ANC maintains that it remains the largest political party in the province and the leading party in all 18 local municipalities.
It also highlighted that it had won approximately 86% of ward seats across the province, which it said reflected the continued relationship between communities and their ward councillors.
The party says it hopes to rebuild public confidence through improved service delivery, stronger community engagement and greater accountability from its councillors.
