The Electoral Commission has kicked off the vote counting process, with initial figures beginning to trickle in from voting districts across the country. While the IEC aims to officially finalize and certify the overall results by the weekend, these early returns already offer crucial hints about voter turnout, shifting coalition dynamics, and key contested metros.

To help us make sense of what these preliminary numbers actually tell us (and where the real surprises might lie), Acting Director of the Center for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution at Nelson Mandela University, Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast joins us on Power Breakfast.

The Electoral Commission has kicked off the vote counting process, with initial figures beginning to trickle in from voting districts across the country. While the IEC aims to officially finalize and certify the overall results by the weekend, these early returns already offer crucial hints about voter turnout, shifting coalition dynamics, and key contested metros.
To help us make sense of what these preliminary numbers actually tell us (and where the real surprises might lie), Acting Director of the Center for Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution at Nelson Mandela University, Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast joins us on Power Breakfast.

POWER Breakfast is a fast-paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you’re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.

POWER Breakfast is a fast-paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you&rsquo;re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.

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IEC Begins Vote Counting: What preliminary results tell us.   The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is hoping to announce the final results of the 2026 local government elections by the weekend. 

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) received 0.84% of the national vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections, securing approximately 249,398 votes across South Africa. Although the party's national support remains below 1%, its performance in the Eastern Cape, particularly Buffalo City Metro and King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, has placed it among the parties attracting attention in the province. However, the party's election experience has also been marked by a dispute with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) over alleged voting and counting irregularities in Buffalo City. UDM leader Bantu Holomisa has threatened to approach the Electoral Court following the rejection of the party's objections. He has formally demanded detailed explanations and supporting records from the IEC, seeking clarity on the decisions taken during the electoral process. He joins Bongi Gwala on Power Breakfast to share more.

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) received 0.84% of the national vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections, securing approximately 249,398 votes across South Africa. Although the party's national support remains below 1%, its performance in the Eastern Cape, particularly Buffalo City Metro and King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, has placed it among the parties attracting attention in the province. However, the party's election experience has also been marked by a dispute with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) over alleged voting and counting irregularities in Buffalo City. UDM leader Bantu Holomisa has threatened to approach the Electoral Court following the rejection of the party's objections. He has formally demanded detailed explanations and supporting records from the IEC, seeking clarity on the decisions taken during the electoral process. He joins Bongi Gwala on Power Breakfast to share more.

UDM Secures 0.84% Of National Vote, Winning 249,398 Votes As Party Challenges IEC Over Buffalo City Results

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) emerged as the largest single party in the eThekwini Metro Municipality following the 2026 local government elections, securing 86 seats. However, with 112 seats required to reach an outright majority in the 222-seat council, the party fell short of securing sole control of Durban's metro government. The MK Party's National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) chairperson, Advocate Dali Mpofu, joins us to weigh in. 

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) emerged as the largest single party in the eThekwini Metro Municipality following the 2026 local government elections, securing 86 seats. However, with 112 seats required to reach an outright majority in the 222-seat council, the party fell short of securing sole control of Durban's metro government. The MK Party's National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) chairperson, Advocate Dali Mpofu, joins us to weigh in.&nbsp;

MK Party wins 86 seats in eThekwini but falls short of majority: announces party coalition, negotiators

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA could find themselves having to set political differences aside as coalition negotiations take shape in Gauteng’s major metropolitan municipalities following the 2026 local government elections. With no outright winner emerging in several councils, including the City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, the two parties are among those whose electoral support could prove decisive in determining who governs the metros. DA Mayoral Candidate, Helen Zille, joins the Power Breakfast team to outline the party's plan or road ahead.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA could find themselves having to set political differences aside as coalition negotiations take shape in Gauteng&rsquo;s major metropolitan municipalities following the 2026 local government elections. With no outright winner emerging in several councils, including the City of Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, the two parties are among those whose electoral support could prove decisive in determining who governs the metros. DA Mayoral Candidate, Helen Zille, joins the Power Breakfast team to outline the party's plan or road ahead.

IEC Begins Vote Counting: What preliminary results tell us. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is hoping to announce the final results of the 2026 local government elections by the weekend.

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