South Africans are voting in local government elections amid growing public frustration over failing municipal services, deteriorating infrastructure, unemployment and persistent inequality.
More than 29 million registered voters are eligible to participate in Wednesday’s election, which will determine the composition of municipal councils across the country. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and are scheduled to close at 9 p.m. local time. Africanews+1
The election is a major test for the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has experienced declining electoral support after losing its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general election. The party secured just over 40 per cent of the national vote in that election, forcing it to form a government of national unity with the Democratic Alliance and other parties. Africanews+1
Major cities, including Johannesburg and Durban, are key battlegrounds. The Democratic Alliance is seeking to capitalise on dissatisfaction with service delivery in Johannesburg, while former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is challenging the ANC in Durban. Al Jazeera+1
Public dissatisfaction is reflected in an Ipsos survey which found that 55 per cent of registered voters distrust their local governments. The study also found that 68 per cent believe poor sanitation resulting from water interruptions poses a serious health risk in their communities. Ipsos
The results are expected to shape coalition negotiations in several municipalities and provide an indication of the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2029 national elections. Final results are expected on Sunday.
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