South Africans Vote in Local Elections as ANC Faces Further Losses

South Africans are voting in local elections that could further weaken the African National Congress (ANC), the party that has governed the country nationally since 1994.

In the previous municipal elections in 2021, the ANC received approximately 45.6% of the vote. Opinion polls suggest that its support could decline further, potentially dropping below 40% or even one-third of the vote.

The election is shaped by widespread concerns among voters, including water shortages, power cuts, poor roads, crime, unemployment and corruption. Johannesburg is a major focus of the elections, as residents have experienced repeated water shortages, electricity disruptions and political instability, with frequent leadership changes reflecting the fragility of its governing coalitions.

Analysts expect several municipalities to produce no outright majority, making coalition negotiations likely after the vote.

The outcome could shape South Africa’s political direction ahead of the next national elections in 2029, as well as influence the future leadership of the ANC.

Polling stations were scheduled to close at 9 p.m. local time on November 4, with results expected to be announced in the following days.

References

Savage, R. (2026, November 4). ANC faces anger over poor services as South Africans vote in local elections. The Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/nov/04/anc-south-africa-local-elections-water-outages-power-cuts

Peyton, N. (2026, November 4). South Africa votes in local polls expected to further weaken ANC grip. Reuters.
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-africa-votes-local-polls-expected-further-weaken-anc-grip-2026-11-03/

Representative Image: HelenOnline. (2014, May 7). Voting day in Ward 10204021, Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch, South Africa[Photograph]. Wikimedia Commons.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Voting_day_1.jpg