South Africa Elections: ANC Faces Voter Anger Over Poor Services 2026

South Africa elections are underway as voters head to the polls in local elections on Wednesday, with the African National Congress (ANC) facing deep discontent over water outages, power cuts, and crumbling infrastructure. The former liberation movement, which Nelson Mandela led to power in 1994, is still likely to be the largest party but is on course for a bruising result.

ANC's Declining Support in South Africa Elections

Polls show the ANC getting less than a third of the vote, down from 45.6% at the last municipal elections in 2021 and 40.2% in 2024's national elections. This decline reflects growing frustration with the party's handling of basic services.

Vote fragmentation means the ANC could still end up leading many city coalition governments while losing control of others. Unstable coalitions are already a feature of many of South Africa's 257 municipalities, and analysts point to their high turnover as a major reason for poor service delivery.

Coalition Instability and Service Delivery Failures

Johannesburg, a city of 4.8 million people that has faced water shortages for more than a week, has had 10 mayors in as many years. The neighbouring municipality of Ekurhuleni has had three mayors since 2021.

To the north, in Tshwane, which contains the capital, Pretoria, the mayoralty has rotated between parties four times since 2020. In October, more than 800 people contracted a gastrointestinal illness from contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit, in east Tshwane.

Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane are in Gauteng, South Africa's most populous province and economic heartland. The instability in these metros is a stark illustration of how coalition politics can hinder effective governance.

Key Takeaways from the South Africa Elections

• The ANC is expected to receive less than a third of the vote, a significant drop from previous elections.
• Coalition governments in major cities have been marked by high mayoral turnover, contributing to poor service delivery.
• Water and power outages have become commonplace, angering voters and eroding trust in the ANC.
• The elections are seen as a referendum on the ANC's ability to provide basic services.
• Analysts warn that further fragmentation could lead to more unstable coalitions and continued governance challenges.

Impact on Local Communities

The service delivery failures have real consequences for residents. In Bronkhorstspruit, the gastrointestinal illness outbreak linked to contaminated water is a direct result of infrastructure neglect.

Johannesburg's water shortages have left residents without reliable access to clean water for over a week, highlighting the urgency of the crisis. These issues are likely to drive voter turnout and shape the election outcome.

What to Watch Next

As results come in, the focus will be on whether the ANC can retain control of key metros or if coalitions will shift power. The party's performance will also signal its broader standing ahead of future national elections.

The elections are a critical test for South Africa's democracy, with voters demanding accountability and improved services. The outcome will have implications for how the country addresses its infrastructure and governance challenges.

FAQ

The political landscape is shifting, and the ANC's decline could have ripple effects beyond South Africa. As the party grapples with internal challenges, other nations are watching closely. For instance, the White South Africans denied US refugee status after hype highlights how global perceptions of South Africa influence international relations.

Meanwhile, the US visa restrictions on South Africans over discrimination claims have added another layer of complexity to the country's international standing. These developments underscore the importance of stable governance for South Africa's global image.

In a related vein, the Trump administration's refugee policy has sparked debate about racial dynamics and aid allocation, further complicating South Africa's external relations.

As South Africa navigates these turbulent waters, the legacy of colonialism and apartheid continues to shape its politics. The Royal Crown's role in the slave trade is a reminder of historical injustices that still resonate today.

Despite the challenges, there are stories of resilience and economic growth. For example, South African billionaire Koos Bekker expands Somerset Estate, showcasing the potential for private investment in the country.