The African National Congress faced a substantial setback in South Africa’s local elections held earlier this week, with preliminary results showing the party capturing less than 32% of the national vote based on more than 80% of ballots counted. This represents a decline of approximately 14 percentage points compared to the party’s performance in the 2021 local elections.
The ANC, which has governed nationally since the transition from apartheid rule in 1994, has experienced declining support due to factors including elevated unemployment, crime rates, corruption scandals, and inadequate municipal service delivery. The results are anticipated to redistribute political control in South Africa’s two largest provinces, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, where the ANC may lose its position as the leading party.
The Democratic Alliance, a centre-right party, secured approximately 24% of the national vote, while the uMkhonto weSizwe party, led by former ANC president Jacob Zuma, obtained roughly 9%. Voter participation increased notably, with an estimated 54.5% of registered voters casting ballots compared to 46% in the previous local election cycle. Final results are scheduled for announcement on Sunday.
In Johannesburg, the nation’s largest city, the Democratic Alliance led with 40% of votes counted, followed by the ANC at 17.5% and ActionSA at 15.5%. The city has contended with infrastructure challenges including water shortages, power outages, and municipal service deficits. The Democratic Alliance is also projected to maintain control in Cape Town, though faces concerns regarding housing costs, while the uMkhonto weSizwe party is expected to become the dominant force in KwaZulu-Natal. Coalition negotiations among parties are ongoing as officials determine the composition of local governments.
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