# South African Municipal Elections Test ANC Dominance Amid Declining Voter Support Local polls reveal shifting political landscapes as the ANC faces potential losses in key municipalities. - **Source:** [DW – Africa](https://www.dw.com/en) - **Published:** 2026-11-04 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/ae369802-a058-450a-8ff4-cf6eeb891afd ## Municipal Elections Underway South Africans are casting ballots to determine leadership for eight major cities, 44 district municipalities, and 205 local councils. These elections serve as a critical gauge of public sentiment ahead of the 2029 national polls. Over 29 million citizens are registered, though voter turnout remains a significant concern for democratic participation. ## ANC Popularity in Decline The African National Congress, which led since the end of apartheid, faces a downward trajectory in popularity. After falling below 50% in 2021, polls suggest support could drop below 40% this time. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged internal failures, characterizing these elections as a vital opportunity to restore public trust in governance. ## Key Battlegrounds and Coalitions Johannesburg remains a crucial battleground where the Democratic Alliance is challenging the current fragile ANC-led coalition. In Mangaung, the ANC's birthplace, projections indicate the party may secure only 33% to 37% of the vote. Such results suggest that future city governance will likely rely on increasingly unstable and complex multi-party coalition agreements. ## Voter Frustrations Intensify Public dissatisfaction is driven by failing infrastructure, including unreliable electricity and water supplies. High unemployment rates, persistent crime, and limited affordable housing have further eroded confidence in the ruling party. Additionally, concerns regarding undocumented migration have emerged as a prominent issue, influencing campaign rhetoric and voter priorities across various local districts. ## DA and Opposition Gains The Democratic Alliance is showing strong performance, particularly in cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg. In Mangaung, the DA is projected to capture between 30% and 34% of the vote, trailing the ANC closely. Analysts note that disciplined organizing and effective mobilization in townships have allowed the DA to challenge traditional ANC strongholds. ## Emerging Political Challenges Beyond the DA, other political entities are making their mark. In the port city of Durban, the MK party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, is mounting a significant challenge. Meanwhile, the EFF is projected to secure roughly 8% to 10% of the vote in Mangaung, further fragmenting the traditional political landscape. ## The Mechanics of Voting Voters do not directly elect mayors; instead, they choose municipal councillors who subsequently form administrations and select leadership. This indirect system means that even with a plurality of votes, parties must negotiate to govern. Consequently, the final composition of local councils will dictate the stability of service delivery for the coming years. ## Future Political Implications Following the loss of its 30-year parliamentary majority in 2024, the ANC is already navigating a national coalition. These local results will likely reinforce the trend toward coalition governance across South Africa. As results arrive by Sunday, the focus shifts to whether these local shifts foreshadow a broader realignment for the 2029 national elections. ## Sources covering this story - [DW – Africa — South Africans Vote in Local Elections Testing ANC Dominance](https://www.dw.com/en/south-africans-vote-in-local-elections-in-test-for-anc/a-79851651?maca=en-rss-en-africa-8291-rdf) - [eNCA — ANC Projected to Lead Mangaung Vote Amid Declining Support](https://www.enca.com/news-top-stories/enca-projects-anc-will-secure-largest-chunk-mangaung) --- _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._