ANC Faces Voter Wrath as 12 Million South Africans Cast Ballots Amid Collapsing Services
South Africans voted in local elections seen as a referendum on the ANC's three decades in power, with early results showing the party losing ground as voters punish it for failing water and power services.
South Africans headed to the polls Wednesday in local government elections widely viewed as a test of the African National Congress (ANC), the party that has governed since the end of apartheid in 1994 [278684]. More than 29 million people registered to vote across roughly 23,700 polling stations nationwide, and about 12 million had cast ballots by 5pm, with Gauteng recording the highest turnout [279372][280134]. President Cyril Ramaphosa voted among the millions taking part [279335].
The elections were shaped by water shortages and growing frustration over poor public services [278684]. Many voters said they are fed up with the declining quality of services they receive [278372]. Failing public services, corruption, and high crime rates have eroded public trust, and the ANC may lose further ground as voters express their discontent at the ballot box [278676]. Residents of Tembisa, a township east of Johannesburg, said they feel abandoned, with voter fatigue growing and traditional political loyalties shifting as parties that once held firm support lose ground [281129].
Early signs showed trouble for the ANC in both cities and rural areas, while opposition groups including ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance (DA) showed growth [280122]. The results will offer a measure of the national mood before the next national polls [279335].
An analysis of local government performance pointed to systemic failures in three key areas: spending on capital projects, maintaining existing infrastructure, and day-to-day governance [281141]. Municipalities are also struggling with water crises and unstable leadership, with coalition governments facing pressure to move beyond survival politics and deliver transparent, capable administration [281136].
With the vote finished, attention turns to whether local councils will be held accountable. Citizens expect local councils to be accountable, honest, and responsive—which requires ongoing civic engagement and residents demanding ethical governance, not just casting a ballot once every few years [281139].