ANC receives just over 30% in South Africa local elections
The African National Congress secured 30.76 percent of the vote in South Africa's local government elections, its lowest share ever. The result, reported on 4 Nov, places the party behind the Democratic Alliance in Johannesburg and leaves it without outright control of any major city. Party leaders described the outcome as catastrophic, while voters cited water, electricity, housing and unemployment as key concerns. Analysts say the decline reflects a long‑term erosion of confidence and may shape coalition talks and the 2027 party leadership race.
Key facts
- The ANC came second to the Democratic Alliance in Johannesburg, South Africa's commercial capital.
- The party won control of no major city outright.
- Coalition negotiations in the coming weeks could affect the ANC's 2027 leadership contest.
- Researcher Tasnim Essop says the ANC must undertake serious introspection on governance and accountability.
- DW correspondent reports voters expressed frustration over years of undelivered basic services.
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Why it matters
The vote reshapes local power and could influence national politics ahead of 2029.
What changed
First published from The Straits Times, ABC News (US), Africanews, The Hindu and allAfrica