ANC’s Weak Showing in Local Polls Shakes South Africa as Voters Demand Change

South Africa’s long-dominant African National Congress (ANC) is facing a major decline in voter support following early results from the country’s 2026 local government elections. The results suggest that the party, which has governed the country for decades, could lose control of several important cities as voters increasingly express dissatisfaction with its performance.

According to the Associated Press (AP), early results released on Friday, November 6, showed the ANC receiving nearly 31 per cent of the national vote, with approximately 76 per cent of ballots counted. This represents a significant drop compared with the 2021 local government elections, when the party secured slightly more than 45 per cent.

The latest development adds to the political challenges facing the ANC after it lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 national elections for the first time since the end of apartheid.

What the Early Election Results Show

The early results indicate that South African politics is becoming increasingly competitive, with opposition parties gaining ground in several major municipalities.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) was leading the ANC in Johannesburg, the country's largest city and an important economic center. Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, founded by former president Jacob Zuma, was performing strongly in the eThekwini municipality, which includes Durban.

The ANC's declining support suggests that many voters are becoming less willing to support the party based solely on its historical role in ending apartheid. Instead, voters appear increasingly interested in how political leaders manage public resources and deliver essential services.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu acknowledged the decline in support, saying the party understood the message voters were communicating and would undertake serious reflection to rebuild public confidence.

With several municipalities unlikely to produce outright winners, political parties may have to negotiate coalition agreements to establish local governments.

Why Local Councils Matter in Everyday Life

Although national elections often receive more international attention, local government elections have a direct influence on the daily lives of ordinary South Africans.

Municipal councils are responsible for providing essential services, including water, electricity distribution, road maintenance, waste collection and other community infrastructure.

When local councils fail to perform effectively, residents are often the first to experience the consequences. Poor road conditions, unreliable water supplies, electricity interruptions and uncollected rubbish can affect businesses, schools, households and public health.

This is one reason the South Africa local elections have become particularly important. Voters are using their ballots to communicate their expectations and demand better management from the people responsible for their communities.

A change in political leadership could create opportunities for improved service delivery, although a new party taking control does not automatically guarantee that local problems will disappear.

Why Other African Countries Are Watching Closely

The ANC's declining support is not attracting attention only within South Africa. Other African countries are also watching the political developments because of the country's historical, economic and diplomatic influence across the continent.

South Africa remains one of Africa's major economies and plays an important role in regional trade, investment and international diplomacy. Changes in its political environment can therefore attract interest from neighboring countries and international partners.

The results also provide a wider lesson for political parties across Africa. Historical achievements and longstanding political loyalty may not be enough to maintain public support when citizens are dissatisfied with service delivery, economic conditions and government accountability.

For opposition parties, the results present an opportunity to demonstrate that they can offer practical alternatives and manage public institutions effectively.

What Happens Next for the ANC?

The coming days will be important as election officials continue counting votes and political parties prepare for possible coalition negotiations. The final results will help determine which parties control municipalities and who will be responsible for selecting local mayors and councilors.

For the ANC, the outcome represents another serious political warning. The party will need to examine why its support is falling and identify practical ways to regain the confidence of voters.

Ultimately, the 2026 local government elections show that South African voters are increasingly demanding accountability, effective leadership and reliable public services. Whether the ANC can recover its lost support or opposition parties can turn their electoral gains into better governance remains a major question for South Africa's political future.