JOHANNESBURG — South Africans are voting in local elections expected to show significant losses for the African National Congress, the country's former ruling party. The elections will determine leadership for nearly 300 municipalities responsible for providing essential services including water, electricity and refuse collection.
The ANC's performance follows its loss of a parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994, when apartheid ended. The party's national vote share has dropped substantially over two decades: 70 percent in the 2004 general election, 40 percent in the 2024 national poll.
Public anger over corruption, unemployment and crime has fueled the decline. Political observers and polls predict a further reduction in the ANC's local election vote.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, leading the ANC, rejected these predictions. At the party's final election rally Sunday, he told supporters, "What I'm seeing here is that the ANC is going higher and higher and on the 4th we will show those naysayers."
In Alexandra, a township northeast of Johannesburg where the ANC historically held strong support, poor governance and voter apathy are eroding that base. Sanele Ntombela, an 18-year-old first-time voter, expressed hope his vote could bring change. "There's rubbish everywhere and we struggle with electricity and water and many other issues," he said.
Many of Ntombela's peers did not register to vote, citing lack of progress and deteriorating basic services. Large heaps of rubbish and drain water flowing through potholes marked the township's streets.
Zandile Mncube, 33, from Alexandra, said she would not vote despite being registered. "It makes no difference whether I vote or not. Things have gotten worse over the years," she said.
Alexandra stands in stark contrast to Sandton, located a short distance away. Sandton is Africa's wealthiest square mile, known for modern skyscrapers and upscale infrastructure, highlighting the disparity in urban development and service provision within the region.
