The first 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, BBC reported.
With results from around 14 per cent voting districts counted so far, the ANC is leading with 43 per cent, followed by the DA with 26 per cent.
The radical EFF and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) of former President Jacob Zuma are both on around 8 per cent.
Final results are expected over the weekend.
Opinion polls suggest the ANC could lose its majority in parliament for the first time in 30 years, forcing it into a coalition.
The ANC has lost support due to anger over high levels of corruption, crime and unemployment.
But it is too early to predict the final outcome.
Wednesday's election saw long lines of voters outside polling stations late into the night across the country.
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