South Africans voted in municipal elections on Wednesday (November 4, 2026), with anger over corruption, crime and failing public services threatening to deal another blow to the African National Congress (ANC).

The party of Nelson Mandela fell below 50% support for the first time in the 2021 municipal elections and could drop below 40% this time, according to polls.

With no other party large enough to replace it, many cities are heading towards unstable coalition governments. Such arrangements have been partly blamed for failures to deliver basic services, including water and electricity.

The election outcome will set the stage for the next national election in 2029 and could influence the ANC’s succession race as President Cyril Ramaphosa approaches the end of his term as party leader in 2027.

“Municipal failures have contributed to declining public trust and confidence in democratic governance,” Mr. Ramaphosa said. He has acknowledged failures within his party but expressed optimism that it would regain support.

“This election is an opportunity to turn this around.”

Johannesburg is the biggest prize

Control of Johannesburg, South Africa’s commercial hub, is the biggest prize. The race remained open after an energetic mayoral campaign by Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate Helen Zille, who was projected to win the most votes but fall short of a majority.

Other metro areas to watch include Tshwane, home to the administrative capital Pretoria, and eThekwini, which includes the port city of Durban and where former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe party is strong.

The DA is heavily favoured to retain control of Cape Town.

Local governance has been a weak point for the ANC, which was forced into a coalition with the DA and smaller parties after losing its national majority in 2024.

Although the ANC retains the loyalty of some voters because of its role in ending apartheid, growing numbers of South Africans are frustrated by power cuts and water shortages, including in Johannesburg. High unemployment and poor public safety are also major concerns.

Polling stations were open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. (0500 to 1900 GMT), with results expected to be announced on Sunday (November 8, 2026).