South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has suffered its worst electoral performance since the end of apartheid, securing less than 31% of the vote in the latest local elections. This downturn marks a sharp decline from prior election results, where the party dominated with nearly 70% support.
During the elections, which concluded on Sunday, the ANC failed to achieve a majority in major urban centers. The party garnered 20% or less of the votes in four of South Africa’s largest cities, including Tshwane, home to the capital, Pretoria. Following this result, the ANC is now reliant on coalition talks to maintain any semblance of power.
Party secretary-general Fikile Mbalula described the outcome as a “catastrophic disaster” during a briefing, acknowledging the party’s electoral struggles. Despite being the largest political party in South Africa, the ANC has garnered minority status in the last three local and national elections. Its support level is now only six percentage points ahead of the Democratic Alliance (DA), led by Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
The dramatic loss raises significant concerns regarding the future of liberation movements across southern Africa, many of which have held power since fighting against colonial and minority rule. The ANC, which first came to power under Nelson Mandela in 1994, has faced increasing criticism over corruption, economic stagnation, and insufficient service delivery in the years since.
Across the region, other liberation parties, such as the Botswana Democratic Party, have also faced electoral defeats, indicating a broader pattern of voter disenchantment. In Botswana’s most recent elections, that party lost nearly 90% of its parliamentary seats amid public discontent over economic struggles.
While the ANC has struggled, liberation parties in other nations, like Tanzania and Zimbabwe, have tightened their grip on power through authoritarian practices, often suppressing opposition. Former Zimbabwe finance minister Tendai Biti remarked on social media that these movements are “withering away,” referencing the ANC’s plight as illustrative of this trend.
Unlike some of its neighbors, the ANC has facilitated free and fair elections and has traditionally respected electoral outcomes. President Cyril Ramaphosa noted that, despite the decreased support from the last election, this outcome reflects a resilient democratic process in South Africa. He asserted that the nation’s democracy remains strong and enduring.
In light of these events, the ANC has pledged to reassess its strategies. “We have been humbled,” Mbalula stated, promising to address voter disillusionment. Meanwhile, Hill-Lewis of the DA expressed excitement over the party’s newfound popularity in sizable urban areas, with significant support from previously marginalized black voters.
The political landscape is fragmented, complicating coalition negotiations as over half of the municipalities lack a clear majority party. With reports suggesting potential internal challenges to Ramaphosa’s leadership and the prospect of forming new alliances, parties have 14 days to negotiate coalition deals for the new municipal councils.
