South Africa’s governing African National Congress (ANC) has recorded its poorest showing in local elections since the end of apartheid, winning about 31 per cent of the national vote, down from 46 per cent in 2021.
Although it still polled more votes than any other party, the ANC won outright control of only one province, Limpopo, compared with six last time. The Democratic Alliance came second with about 25 per cent and kept Cape Town, while former President Jacob Zuma’s MK party placed third and overtook the ANC in Durban. The Economic Freedom Fighters finished fourth.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula called the outcome a disaster and blamed the high cost of living. President Cyril Ramaphosa said the party accepted the voters’ verdict with humility.
The result follows the ANC’s loss of its parliamentary majority in 2024, which forced it into a coalition Government of National Unity.
Compiled by Sweet Melodies FM from reporting by BBC News. Read the original report.
