South Africans are heading to the polls on November 4 to cast their votes. Due to the local government elections, the African National Congress (ANC), which has dominated the country’s politics for decades, could further be weakened. Frustration, which has been growing over corruption, unemployment, crime and poor public services, has created a highly difficult situation for the ruling party as opposition groups compete for control of major cities.
The ANC was once led by former president Nelson Mandela. Unfortunately, it lost its national parliamentary majority in 2024. The ANC also experienced a very prominent decline in the year 2021 municipal elections, when its support fell below 50% for the first time. Recent opinion polls suggest that its support could drop below 40% in the most recent vote.
Johannesburg is expected to be one of the most closely watched areas. As South Africa’s main commercial centre, control of the city would be a major achievement for any political party. Helen Zille, who is a Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate, is expected to attract strong support, regardless of if securing an outright majority may prove difficult. Other important contests include Tshwane and eThekwini, where former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe party has gained support. The DA is also expected to maintain its position in Cape Town.
According to Reuters, many voters are becoming dissatisfied with the lack of improvements in their communities. Water shortages, electricity disruptions, unemployment and concerns about public safety have become major election issues. The growing count of smaller political parties has also divided voter support. This makes it harder for one party to secure enough votes to govern independently.
Other reports, such as the Associated Press, have also highlighted concerns about Johannesburg’s unstable local administration, which has gone through repeated changes in leadership and continuing infrastructure problems.
The election results could lead to further coalition governments, requiring parties with different political views to work together. However, disagreements between coalition partners have previously affected the delivery of essential services.
The outcome will also have much larger political importance as South Africa approaches its 2029 national elections. It could end up influencing the ANC’s leadership succession and determine whether the party can actually rebuild public confidence before its next major electoral challenge.
