ANC Plummets in Local Elections, Faces Major Losses Across South Africa

In a stark reversal of fortunes, South Africa's long-ruling African National Congress (ANC) has suffered a substantial decline in support, receiving just over 30% of the vote in recent local elections ¹². This marks a notable shift from the party's previous standing, where it garnered over 45% of the national vote in the 2021 local government elections ².

The ANC's performance has been described as 'catastrophic', with the party losing its majority in six of the eight metropolitan regions ¹. This downturn can be traced back to the 2024 general election, where the ANC lost its absolute majority for the first time since 1994 ¹. The party's current predicament is attributed to a range of factors, including dissatisfaction among voters over water and electricity shortages, high unemployment, crime, and widespread corruption ¹.

Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC leader and South African president, acknowledged these 'municipal failures' in his weekly letter, highlighting the need for the party to address these pressing issues ¹. Fikile Mbalula, the ANC Secretary-General, echoed this sentiment, stating that regaining public trust was essential for the party's future success ¹.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa's main opposition party, secured 24% of the vote, coming in second place ¹. The DA maintained control of Cape Town and performed strongly in Pretoria and Johannesburg, where it leads the governance of the latter city ¹². The ANC now forms unity governments with the DA and smaller political parties in some cities, necessitating coalition rule ².

Notably, the MK Party, led by former ANC leader Jacob Zuma, is currently leading in the eThekwini municipality, which includes Durban ². This development underscores the fragmented nature of the political landscape in South Africa, with multiple parties vying for influence and control.

Political analysts suggest that voters are now making judgments based on performance rather than loyalty, indicating a potential shift in the traditional voting patterns that have long favoured the ANC ². As the party grapples with its declining support, it faces the challenge of regaining the trust and favour of the electorate, a task made more complex by the presence of strong opposition and the ongoing issues faced by the country.

What We Know

• The ANC received just over 30% of the vote in South Africa's local elections ¹²
• The ANC lost its majority in six of the eight metropolitan regions ¹
• The ANC's performance is described as 'catastrophic' ¹
• The ANC's decline began after the 2024 general election ¹
• The ANC received over 45% of the national vote in the 2021 local government elections ²
• Water and electricity shortages, high unemployment, crime, and corruption were significant issues for voters ¹
• The DA came second with 24% of the vote and leads in Johannesburg ¹²
• The MK Party is leading in the eThekwini municipality ²
• Voters are judging parties based on performance rather than loyalty ²