A weekend of coalition talks ahead
The DA and ANC both say they're preparing for a new era of coalition governments.
As the last of the votes come in from Gauteng, none of the parties achieved the majority votes in any of the three metros in the province.
In South Africa's capital of Tshwane - the main opposition is positive of emerging as the biggest party for the first time.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane calls this a historic result.
"In years to come and as our politics realign, this election will indeed be seen as a tipping point. It will be remembered as a moment when the ANC lost its foothold as a dominant party," Maimane said.
He says the DA will not sell-out on its party principals to gain control of any area.
The ANC's Chairperson in Gauteng, Paul Mashatile, says parties have about two weeks to finalise any coalition talks or face re-elections in hung metros.
"We are going to spend this weekend engaging in those negotiations. If there's no outright winner, if we don't talk and have coalitions, it means you are unable to proceed," Mashatile said.
ANC Deputy Secretary-General Jessie Duarte, however, says they will engage with the DA.