The DA has lost control of Plettenberg Bay and surrounds in the Bitou municipality, after falling short of securing an extra 21 votes in last week's local government elections.They needed these votes to obtain the majority seats in the local council.
Although 48.58% of voters supported the DA, compared to the ANC's 40.99%, each party received six seats.
This means that the Active United Front with one seat is calling the shots, and according to reports, the party decided to side with the ANC - thereby securing the majority in the Bitou municipality.
Bitou is now the first of 27 hung councils in the country which confirmed a coalition.
The DA's campaign manager, Liz Mundell, says in a message to supporters that a difficult time lies ahead for the DA councillors - who will now form the opposition.
