Ahead of South Africa’s local government elections, two ANC councillors in KwaZulu-Natal defect to the Democratic Alliance (DA), according to reporting. The DA says it is focusing on seven municipalities in the province as the election approaches, and frames the councillors’ move as part of its effort to strengthen its position in specific areas, including uMngeni and eThekwini. The information comes from IOL, which links the defections to the DA’s broader campaign strategy in KwaZulu-Natal. The reports do not provide additional detail on the reasons for the councillors’ departure from the ANC, nor do they outline any immediate response from the ANC. The coverage indicates the DA is using the defections to bolster support in municipalities identified as priority targets ahead of the vote. Overall, the articles agree on the key event—two ANC councillors shifting allegiance to the DA—and on the DA’s stated focus on improving its standing in parts of KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the local elections.