Key facts
- The ANC dropped below 50% support for the first time in the 2021 municipal elections, Reuters reported.
- Polls cited in the report project ANC support could fall below 40% in the municipal vote.
- Democratic Alliance candidate Helen Zille is projected to win the most votes in Johannesburg but fall short of a majority.
- The ANC lost its national majority in 2024 and entered a coalition with the DA and smaller parties.
South Africans voted in municipal elections on Wednesday, with anger over corruption, crime and failing public services threatening to deal another blow to the African National Congress, Reuters reported.
The party of Nelson Mandela dropped below 50% support for the first time in the 2021 municipal elections and could fall below 40% this time, according to polls cited in the report. With no other party large enough to take its place, many cities are heading for coalition governments that have been partly blamed for failing to deliver basic services including water and electricity.
The outcome will set the stage for the next national election in 2029 and could influence the succession race within the ANC as President Cyril Ramaphosa approaches the end of his term as party leader in 2027. Ramaphosa said municipal failures have contributed to declining public trust and confidence in democratic governance, and called the election an opportunity to turn this around.
Control of Johannesburg, South Africa's commercial hub, is the largest prize and remains up for grabs after a campaign for mayor by Democratic Alliance candidate Helen Zille, who is projected to win the most votes but fall short of a majority. Other metro areas to watch include Tshwane, home to the administrative capital Pretoria, and eThekwini, which includes the port city of Durban and where former president Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe party is strong. The DA is heavily favoured to retain control of Cape Town.
Local governance has been a weak point for the ANC, which was forced into a coalition with the DA and smaller parties after it lost its national majority in 2024. The party still enjoys loyalty from some voters due to its role in ending apartheid, but growing numbers of South Africans are fed up with problems such as power cuts and water shortages, even in Johannesburg. High unemployment and poor public safety are also major concerns.
Polls were open from 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) to 9 p.m. (1900 GMT) and results are expected to be announced on Sunday.