South Africa's ANC Records Historic Low in Municipal Elections

The African National Congress (ANC) is facing a historic political setback as near-final results from recent municipal polls indicate the party has secured just over 30% of the vote. As South Africa's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, leads the nation, the party that once spearheaded the end of apartheid finds itself grappling with its lowest electoral support since the dawn of the country's democracy in 1994.

Challenges for South Africa's President

With 98% of the ballots counted, the Electoral Commission confirmed that the ANC has lost its majority in six out of eight metropolitan regions. While the party remains the largest single political movement in the country, the result marks a significant decline from the 46% it achieved in the 2021 municipal elections and the 40% it secured in the 2024 national polls. Political analyst Daniel Silke described the outcome as the most severe result the party could have feared, noting that it undermines the ANC's authority and serves as a potential indicator of voter sentiment ahead of the 2029 general elections.

The ANC has recorded its lowest-ever vote share, losing majorities in six of eight metropolitan regions.

Public dissatisfaction stems from persistent municipal failures, including acute water and electricity shortages. Beyond these infrastructure issues, voters are contending with high unemployment, crime, and concerns over systemic corruption. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula acknowledged the severity of the situation, describing the outcome as catastrophic for the movement and emphasizing that the party can no longer rely on its historical legacy to maintain voter trust.

While President Ramaphosa has not yet publicly addressed the specific election results, he recently admitted in a presidential letter that municipal failures have damaged public confidence in democratic governance. The ANC, which currently governs through a national unity coalition following its loss of a parliamentary majority in 2024, now faces complex negotiations to form local governing alliances.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), a center-right, pro-business party, has emerged as the primary challenger, securing approximately 24% of the vote. The DA is expected to retain control of Cape Town and is actively seeking coalition partners in other major hubs like Johannesburg and Pretoria to form governments that exclude the ANC. DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis stated that the focus must now shift toward forming effective local governments capable of addressing the urgent needs of cities and towns.

Why it matters

The ANC's decline signals a major shift in the political landscape, moving the country toward a future defined by complex coalition governance. This transition affects the delivery of essential services, as the party is held accountable for the poor state of municipal infrastructure.

For citizens, the results reflect a deep disillusionment with the status quo. The emergence of smaller parties cutting into the ANC's traditional base suggests that the era of single-party dominance has effectively ended, forcing a new era of political cooperation at the local level.