DA grows rural support as more than 500 Eastern Cape residents quit ANC

· The South African

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it is gaining momentum in the Eastern Cape’s rural communities after more than 500 residents from two villages joined the party during a week-long outreach campaign.

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According to DA Eastern Cape leader Andrew Whitfield, the new members are former African National Congress (ANC) supporters who have decided to back the DA ahead of the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections.

Hundreds sign up in two villages

Whitfield visited several rural communities across the province during the week.

On Thursday, accompanied by DA OR Tambo Constituency leader Mlindi Nhanha MP, he addressed residents in Lwandlana Village in the Ingquza Hill Local Municipality.

The DA said more than 200 residents joined the party during the visit.

A day later, Whitfield travelled to Makolonini Village in the Umzimvubu Local Municipality, where he was joined by DA Alfred Nzo Constituency leader Bax Nodada MP.

According to the party, more than 300 residents signed up as new DA members there.

Service delivery concerns

Whitfield said residents in both communities cited poor service delivery as one of the main reasons for switching political allegiance.

He said communities were frustrated by unreliable access to water and electricity, inadequate sanitation services, deteriorating roads and a lack of economic opportunities.

“The people of Lwandlana are tired of living without reliable access to water and electricity, without basic service delivery, and with roads that are often impassable,” Whitfield said.

He added that residents in Makolonini wanted honest government, improved infrastructure and sustainable economic growth to help lift their communities out of poverty.

Election campaign gathers pace

The announcement comes as political parties intensify campaigning ahead of South Africa’s municipal elections on 4 November.

Whitfield said the DA would continue campaigning across the province on a platform of improved governance, service delivery, job creation and economic growth.

“The Eastern Cape has the people, the natural resources, the entrepreneurs and the potential to become South Africa’s most investable and liveable province,” he said.

He urged voters to support the DA in the upcoming local government elections, saying the party believes it can help ensure that villages, towns, cities and municipalities “start working for all.”

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