DA Targets Ekurhuleni Voters with Service Delivery Message Ahead of Election

Party says residents care more about water, electricity and governance than race politics as it pushes for control of Gauteng’s second-largest metro.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) believes it has a realistic chance of governing Ekurhuleni after the upcoming local government elections, arguing that voters are increasingly prioritising service delivery over racial politics.

Speaking during a campaign event focused on ongoing water supply problems, DA Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Khathutshelo Rasilingwane said the party’s message is resonating with communities frustrated by poor municipal services and unstable coalition governments.

DA Says Service Delivery Is the Real Issue

The party used water shortages and infrastructure failures as examples of the challenges facing residents across Gauteng.

According to the DA, communities are becoming less interested in identity-based political messaging and more concerned about whether municipalities can provide basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation.

Rasilingwane argued that residents are increasingly judging political parties on performance rather than historical or racial loyalties.

Eyeing an Outright Majority

The DA currently holds 65 seats in the 224-seat Ekurhuleni council and says it is aiming for an outright majority after the election. A party requires 113 seats to govern alone.

The metro is currently governed by an ANC-led arrangement, with coalition politics having played a significant role in municipal decision-making over recent years.

The DA has warned that low voter turnout among its supporters could result in another period of coalition instability, which it has described as a “coalition of chaos.”

Water Crisis Remains a Key Election Issue

Water supply challenges have become one of the dominant issues in the election campaign.

Large parts of Gauteng, including areas within Ekurhuleni, have experienced reservoir shortages, low water levels and repeated supply interruptions.

The DA has argued that years of inadequate maintenance, infrastructure backlogs and excessive water losses have contributed to the crisis.

Tough Electoral Contest Ahead

Despite the DA’s confidence, polling and political analysis suggest the race for Ekurhuleni remains highly competitive.

The ANC remains the largest party in the metro, while the EFF, ActionSA and several smaller parties could once again play an influential role in post-election coalition negotiations if no single party secures a majority.

With millions of residents affected by service delivery concerns, Ekurhuleni is expected to be one of the most closely watched battlegrounds of the local government elections.

The DA’s central message is clear: voters should focus on functioning municipalities and reliable services rather than political identity. Whether that argument translates into votes will be decided at the ballot box.