South Africa’s African National Congress falls below 31% in municipal polls, losing majority control in key metropolitan areas amid voter frustration
South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) experienced its worst election performance to date in the recent municipal elections, securing less than 31% of the vote, according to official results released Sunday. This marks a significant decline for the party, which has historically dominated South African politics since the end of apartheid.
The ANC lost its absolute majority in six of the country’s eight metropolitan municipalities, triggering the need for challenging coalition negotiations to form local governments. Their closest rival, the Democratic Alliance (DA), won just under 25% of the vote, maintaining control in key cities such as Cape Town.
Election Results Signal Growing Voter Dissatisfaction
The Electoral Commission reported the ANC’s losses Saturday, highlighting the party’s struggles amid ongoing public dissatisfaction with access to basic services. Many South Africans voiced frustration over shortages of water and electricity and attributed these municipal failures to the ANC’s governance. Other pressing issues weighing on voters include high unemployment, widespread crime, and corruption.
While the ANC remains the most popular political party nationwide, the results reflect a continuing erosion of public confidence. This trend follows the party’s loss of an outright parliamentary majority in the 2024 national elections and is consistent with declining support seen in previous local and national ballots.
Party Leadership Acknowledges the Crisis
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula described the election outcome as “catastrophic,” emphasizing the need for the party to rebuild trust with the electorate. “We cannot ask the people to trust us merely because of our history,” he said, acknowledging the party’s mandate is no longer guaranteed.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also the ANC leader, has not publicly addressed the poor results but noted in his weekly presidential letter that municipal failures have contributed to diminishing public trust in democratic governance.
Opposition Gains and Coalition Prospects
The Democratic Alliance secured an absolute majority in Cape Town and performed strongly in Pretoria and Johannesburg, positioning itself as the leading opposition force in major urban centers. DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed efforts to form coalitions in other municipalities to exclude the ANC from local power.
With no clear majorities declared in several significant cities, intense coalition discussions are expected as parties work to establish functioning local governments capable of addressing South Africa’s pressing municipal challenges.
