It's still too early to tell which way many of the country's major metros will go.
The African National Congress (ANC) took an early lead overall, with around 50 percent of the more than 12 million votes counted at 7am.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) was on 32 percent and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) on 6,5 percent.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is only expecting to have a clear picture of the results and voter turnout much later today.
ANC deputy secretary-general Jesse Duarte says the ruling party is happy its regained control of Nkandla.
In 2011, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) took control of the municipality responsible for President Jacob Zumas hometown.
Duarte says she's happy the ANC has now taken it back.
