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ANC marks its worst-ever performance
DW.com • • world
Key Points:
- South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) received less than 31% of the vote in the recent municipal elections, marking its worst performance in history and losing majority control in six of eight metropolitan areas.
- The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) secured just under 25% of the vote, maintaining control of Cape Town and performing strongly in Pretoria and Johannesburg, positioning itself to form coalitions excluding the ANC.
- ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula described the results as "catastrophic," emphasizing the need to regain public trust amid widespread voter frustration over service delivery failures, corruption, unemployment, and crime.
- The ANC's decline follows a trend of diminishing support over the past decade, including losing its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general election and facing challenges from emerging smaller parties.
- Political analysts warn that the election outcome could weaken the ANC's influence at both local and national levels and serves as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of the 2029 general elections.
