KOUGA – The Democratic Alliance (DA) has retained control of Kouga Local Municipality in the 2026 Local Government Elections, increasing its share of the vote and securing 18 seats in the 30-seat municipal council.
According to a statement issued on Friday, 6 November, by DA Kouga mayoral candidate Hattingh Bornman, the party increased its support from 53.89% in the 2021 municipal elections to 58.55% in 2026.
The DA also reported winning two wards previously held by the African National Congress (ANC), further strengthening its majority in the municipality.
Bornman thanked residents for their continued support, saying the election outcome reflected confidence in the municipality’s leadership and service delivery.
He attributed the increased support to what the party described as improvements in governance, accountability and financial sustainability under DA leadership.
According to Bornman, Kouga was regarded as one of the worst-performing municipalities in the Eastern Cape when the DA took control in 2016. He said the municipality had since made significant progress in service delivery and financial management.
The party also welcomed the opportunity to govern with an outright majority rather than entering into coalition arrangements.
Bornman expressed appreciation to voters, candidates, activists and campaign teams for their contributions during the election period.
The DA will now begin another five-year term governing Kouga, with Bornman pledging to build on the municipality’s progress and continue the party’s Keep Kouga Working programme.
Komani News
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