Sourced fact
The News
South Africa is witnessing decisive local elections that may see a significant erosion of votes for the African National Congress (ANC), the country's largest party. Authorities are conducting voting in over 300 municipalities responsible for delivering essential services such as water, electricity, and waste collection, amidst intense election campaigns featuring unconventional stances from politicians. Despite long lines at some polling stations, election officials confirmed that the process is proceeding smoothly despite the significant challenges facing the country.
The African National Congress faces an existential challenge to prove its ability to govern after losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994. Public support for the party has declined markedly due to anger over high corruption, unemployment, and crime, where its share in general voting dropped from 70% in 2004 to 40% two decades ago. President Cyril Ramaphosa refuted these negative expectations during a recent party gathering, stating he would prove to critics that the party is rising rather than declining.
In Alexandra, a town northeast of Johannesburg, citizens face significant difficulties accessing basic services such as water and electricity amidst chaos in waste collection. Filmmakers and journalists have presented a clear picture of the gap between these poor neighborhoods and affluent areas like adjacent Sandton, which boasts clean streets and modern buildings. Saniel Ntempla, a first-time voter in the area, points out that challenges in the neighborhood are numerous and hopes voting will bring change, while his colleague Zandile Mkhokobu rejects voting, considering the situation worse over the years regardless of ballot boxes.
Auditor General reports show panic in most of South Africa's 257 municipalities, where only 39 received a clean audit between 2024 and 2025, and the list did not include the three major cities in Gauteng province. The city finance was described as "effectively bankrupt" due to its deteriorating financial state and ongoing water and electricity problems that residents have suffered for years. Analysts expect the African National Congress to record its worst performance ever in these elections, while opinion polls indicate a drop in support from 46% in the 2021 elections to just 30% this year.
Coalition governments are expected to continue in Gauteng province where multiple parties control municipal councils instead of one party dominating. Political expert Merian Verford confirmed that results will be a final verdict on the party's performance, while expecting a slight improvement in support for the Democratic Alliance (DA), especially in Johannesburg. Helen Zille, a candidate for mayor, led an unconventional campaign including swimming in giant road pits and riding bicycles over dirt ramps to reach her voters.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
From an analytical perspective, these local elections serve as a final verdict on the African National Congress's performance in managing cities and municipalities across the country. Opinion polls suggest party support may reach just 30% compared to 46% in the 2021 elections, while expecting a slight improvement in support for the Democratic Alliance (DA), which focuses on improving urban services.
In a broader context, the clear gap between areas like Alexandra and Sandton reflects deep inequality in South Africa, where poor areas suffer from accumulated waste and sewage smells while affluent areas boast towering buildings and paved roads. This disparity highlights the failure of the local system to provide social justice and essential services to all citizens regardless of their geographic location.
Furthermore, analyses indicate that coalition governments may remain dominant in major Gauteng cities like Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni, where no single party rules alone. Despite historical instability of these coalitions, they may be the only solution to avoid sliding into financial bankruptcy threatening many municipalities if not urgently reformed.
Finally, the engagement of leaders like Helen Zille in unconventional campaigns, such as swimming in giant pits, represents an attempt to break political deadlock and attract attention from young voters who feel frustrated by the current situation. These efforts may change the local political landscape if they succeed in convincing voters that there is an effective alternative to the status quo.
