Local Elections in South Africa: ANC Faces Challenge Amid Corruption and Poor Services

Municipal elections were held in South Africa on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. In these elections, voters showed intense anger towards corruption, increasing crime, and the failure of public services, which is likely to cause significant losses for the African National Congress (ANC). According to reports by RFI and The Hindu, voters were standing in lines at polling stations from early morning. Voting commenced at 7 am and continued until 9 pm. The process remained largely peaceful for the first four hours after voting began.

More than 2.9 crore voters are registered in these elections. However, in the last municipal elections in 2021, only 46 per cent voting took place. Opinion polls suggest that Nelson Mandela's party, the ANC, which for the first time received less than 50 per cent support in the 2021 municipal elections, could fall below 40 per cent this time. According to an Al Jazeera report, after the counting of more than 60 per cent of votes was completed, the ANC was at approximately 32 per cent votes.

Many cities in South Africa are now moving towards unstable coalition governments, as no party other than the ANC is large enough to replace it. These unstable coalition governments are partly held responsible for the failure to provide basic services such as water and electricity. Johannesburg, which is the commercial hub of South Africa, is considered the biggest prize in these elections. Here, Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate Helen Zille campaigned vigorously. It is estimated that she will secure the most votes, but she will not have a majority. Since 2021, seven mayors of this city have changed because coalition governments collapsed one after another. Residents here sometimes have to live without water or electricity for a week, and potholes on roads and broken traffic lights are frequently seen.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, after voting in Johannesburg, stated, "I have seen the challenges at the local government level, but we are determined to rebuild our local government structure." According to The Hindu, he admitted that "municipal failures have contributed to the decline of public trust and confidence in democratic governance." However, he expressed hope that these elections are an opportunity to change the situation and that his party will regain support.

Major concerns of voters include the uncertain supply of electricity and water, unemployment, crime, and the lack of affordable housing. 47-year-old security guard Themba Ntuli told Reuters, "I hope things improve this time, especially where we live. We need the most essential services the most." 50-year-old Thembi Nkosi Soma, who came to vote in Langa township in Cape Town, told AFP, "I want things to change... people should get work, people should not have to suffer." On the other hand, 26-year-old unemployed Shen Jackbe from Gqeberha expressed frustration, saying, "Voting? Never, not again. I have been voting since 2018, and what have I received? Nothing. My life has not changed; if anything has changed, it has become worse." 27-year-old street vendor Moses Mashaba from Johannesburg's Soweto township told AFP, "Sometimes we don't have water or electricity. The unemployment rate is also high, which is frustrating," and it was for these reasons that he was motivated to vote.

Some voters, such as engineer Sabelo Zulu, are concerned that if the results are close, there could be 'hung councils' (where no party has a clear majority) and unstable coalition governments in many municipalities. There is a strong possibility of the DA remaining in control in Cape Town. Other important areas include Tshwane, the administrative centre of Pretoria, and eThekwini, which houses the city of Durban, where former President Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe party is strong.

The results of these elections will help set the political framework for the 2029 national elections. Additionally, as President Cyril Ramaphosa's term as party leader is set to end in 2027, these results could also impact the battle for succession within the ANC. After losing the national majority in 2024, the ANC was forced to form coalitions with the DA and smaller parties. Due to the role played in ending apartheid, some voters remain loyal to the ANC, but more people are tired of problems such as load shedding and water shortages.

The final election results are expected to be announced on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

The African National Congress (ANC) was a major political party in South Africa that played a vital role in ending apartheid and governed the country under the leadership of Nelson Mandela.