Early results have been announced from what is seen as South Africa's most closely fought elections since the African National Congress (ANC) came to power 30 years ago.

With results from around 27 per cent of voting districts counted so far, the ANC is leading with 43 per cent, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 25 per cent.

The radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has about 9 per cent, while the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) of former President JACOB ZUMA is at around 8 per cent.

Final results are expected over the weekend.