South Africa's ANC falls to 30.8% in municipal vote, loses city majorities
The African National Congress secured 30.76 % of the vote, its lowest share ever, while the Democratic Alliance received roughly 25 % (claim 1). The ANC lost its majority in several major municipalities, triggering coalition negotiations (claim 2). ANC secretary‑general Fikile Mbalula described the result as catastrophic and urged the party to improve service delivery (claim 3).
Key facts
- ANC's vote share dropped from 45 % in 2021 to 30.76 % in 2026.
- The DA won outright majorities in Nelson Mandela Bay, Tshwane and Cape Town.
- Jacob Zuma's MK party finished third with about 9.9 % of the vote.
- The ANC lost its majority in six of eight metropolitan municipalities.
- President Cyril Ramaphosa noted municipal failures eroded public trust in his weekly letter.
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Why it matters
The outcome reshapes local power and may affect national governance.
What changed
First published from The Straits Times, Bangkok Post, Africanews, DW and Al Jazeera English