ANC Suffers Sharp Setback in South African Local Elections

With 76% of votes counted on November 6, the African National Congress had received nearly 31% of the national vote, down from just over 45% in the 2021 local elections. Final results were expected on Sunday, November 8.

South African Voters Deliver a Rebuke to ANC’s Local Record

South African voters have sent a forceful message to the African National Congress: a long history of support is no substitute for results. With 76% of ballots counted on November 6, the ANC had nearly 31% nationally, down from just over 45% in the 2021 local elections.

The vote determines who governs municipalities responsible for essentials including water, road upkeep and rubbish removal. Political analyst Sandile Mnguni said voters are judging elected leaders by their performance in office rather than voting out of loyalty.

The ANC acknowledged that it was losing support. Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the party would undertake a serious examination of how to restore voters’ confidence. In Johannesburg, the Democratic Alliance was ahead, but no party appeared likely to win outright control, making coalition talks necessary. DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said possible partnerships were under consideration.

The results offer a warning to all parties: municipal leadership is accountable to the people who rely on local services. The ANC’s decline reflects that voters can choose alternatives when they believe elected leaders have not performed. Final results were expected on November 8.

South African Voters End the ANC’s Assumption of Support

South Africa’s local election results are a clear sign that voters are no longer willing to grant the African National Congress support on the strength of its history alone. With 76% of votes counted on November 6, the ANC had nearly 31% nationally, compared with just over 45% in the 2021 local elections.

Local councils oversee basic services such as water, road maintenance and rubbish removal. Analyst Sandile Mnguni said voters are paying attention to what elected leaders do in office. The results put the responsibility on governing parties to deliver, rather than assume loyalty will carry them through.

The Democratic Alliance was leading in Johannesburg, though no party appeared set to win a majority there. DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said coalition partners were being considered but declined to commit to any one party. In eThekwini, which includes Durban, the MK Party was leading.

The ANC says it will reflect on how to rebuild public confidence. But voters have already shown that a ruling party cannot take their support for granted. The final count was expected on November 8, with coalition arrangements likely to shape who governs some major cities.