DA intensifies final campaign push for votes in Durban

The battle for control of Durban is intensifying as the Democratic Alliance (DA) makes its final push for votes ahead of the 4 November local government elections.

(DA) leader Geordin Hill-Lewis is framing the contest for eThekwini as a two-horse race between his party and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), arguing that the DA is best placed to lead the metro.

He has previously acknowledged that the tight contest is likely to produce a coalition government.

Hill-Lewis has also stepped up his attack on the African National Congress (ANC), accusing the party of becoming desperate as election day approaches, while the DA campaigns on service delivery, accountable government and improved municipal services.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) says it is confident of making gains in the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), blaming poor service delivery for growing public dissatisfaction with municipalities.
https://t.co/OaabHmugtV https://t.co/983r0UW2nM

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 25, 2026

“Choosing to support a party that is going to fix South Africa starts with your town or your city. Now, here in Durban, in eThekwini, let me tell you, it is absolutely clear: there is either going to be an MKP mayor or a DA mayor. That is the choice for Durban on the 4th of November. There are only two parties in this fight, and only the DA is big enough to stop this beautiful city from falling into the destructive hands of the MKP. That is why we must call on every Durbanite, every proud and passionate resident of eThekwini,” says Hill-Lewis.

KZN, you brought the energy and made your message clear. 💙

At the DA’s KwaZulu-Natal final rally leaders took the stage, performers brought the vibes, and the crowd came together with one message: let’s get our towns working again.🏘️

On November 4th, let’s turn this energy into action by voting DA to stop the chaos and start service delivery. 🗳️📈

— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) October 25, 2026

He has called on supporters to unite behind the DA.

“Unite behind Hanif Hoosen and ensure that he and the DA are elected to govern here on the 4th of November,” he adds.

Hill-Lewis says there is still another big risk.

“You see, we know how the ANC operates. When they see that voters are abandoning them, they become desperate. They are going to get desperate here and across South Africa. Right now, this afternoon, as we are here celebrating, building up energy and excitement for our victory, they are panicking. They are running around, not knowing what to do. But make no mistake: we know they are not an honest organisation. They will use every dirty trick in the book to stay in government so that they can keep stealing,” he says.

“Now, we are on the doorstep of history. We are right at the front door. We are walking up to that front door, and we are about to open it and make history in our country,” he adds.

VIDEO | LGE 2026 | DA eyes electoral gains in KZN