# ANC Suffers Historic Decline in South African Local Elections Nelson Mandela's former liberation movement drops to 30 percent amid widespread infrastructure failures. - **Source:** [Sveriges Radio Ekot](https://sverigesradio.se/ekot) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1c441078-2a5f-4806-898d-25c325b70f9b ## Historic Electoral Setback The African National Congress, once led by Nelson Mandela, has seen its support plummet to approximately 30 percent in recent local elections. This result marks a sharp decline from the 46 percent share the party secured during the 2021 municipal polls, signaling a profound shift in South Africa's political landscape. ## Infrastructure Crisis Drivers Persistent power outages and severe shortages of clean water are identified as primary catalysts for the voter exodus. These systemic infrastructure failures have directly impacted daily life for millions, eroding public trust in the governing party's ability to manage essential municipal services and maintain basic national utility standards effectively. ## Opposition Party Gains The market-liberal Democratic Alliance has capitalized on the governing party's weakness, securing over 24 percent of the total vote. By gaining significant ground in several major urban centers, the party has positioned itself as a formidable challenger, fundamentally altering the power dynamics within South Africa's most influential metropolitan areas. ## Uncertain Coalition Future Current election data indicates that no single party has achieved a stable majority in the contested cities. This fragmentation necessitates complex and likely protracted coalition negotiations, as various political factions attempt to form functional local governments amidst a landscape where traditional party dominance has effectively evaporated across the nation. ## Political Legacy Erosion The ANC, historically revered as the liberation movement that ended apartheid, now faces its most significant existential challenge since taking power. The transition from a dominant liberation force to a party struggling to maintain 30 percent support reflects deep-seated voter dissatisfaction with the current trajectory of national governance and administration. ## Urban Governance Challenges Major South African cities are now entering a period of political instability as local councils struggle to organize. The lack of clear majorities means that policy implementation, budget approvals, and infrastructure repairs may face significant delays while parties engage in intense bargaining to secure governing roles and administrative control. ## Voter Sentiment Shift The dramatic drop from 46 percent in 2021 to 30 percent today illustrates a rapid acceleration in voter disillusionment. Citizens are increasingly prioritizing tangible service delivery over historical political loyalty, forcing a re-evaluation of the ANC's long-term strategy as the party attempts to address widespread public frustration with governance. ## Future Political Outlook Observers are now watching the coalition formation process to see if stable governance can emerge from this fragmented result. The outcome of these negotiations will determine the immediate future of municipal service delivery and set the tone for upcoming national political discourse as the country navigates this unprecedented electoral reality. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/9336882 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._