The African National Congress (ANC) is facing a significant defeat in South Africa’s local elections, with its national vote share falling below one-third as over 80% of ballots have been counted. This outcome marks another step in the decline of the party that has governed the nation since the end of apartheid in 1994.

High levels of unemployment, persistent crime, widespread corruption, and inadequate local service delivery have been cited as key factors driving voters away from the ANC. The party is projected to lose its position as the largest party in the two most populous provinces, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, prompting immediate coalition negotiations.

With 80% of ballots tallied, the ANC's national vote stood at 31.8%. This represents a nearly 14 percentage point drop compared to its performance in the 2021 local elections. The centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA) garnered 24.1% of the vote, while the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, led by former ANC president Jacob Zuma, secured 9.3%.

Turnout for Wednesday's elections saw an increase, with the election commission estimating 54.5% of registered voters participated, up from 46% five years ago. The final results are anticipated by Sunday, and the formation of coalitions in major cities remains uncertain as vote counting continues.

In Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and commercial hub, voters have grappled with frequent water and power outages, uncollected refuse, and deteriorating road infrastructure. The municipality has experienced considerable instability, with ten changes in mayoral leadership over the past decade attributed to fragile coalitions.

Senior figures from various political parties have indicated a willingness to engage in discussions with a broad range of potential partners, while keeping their negotiation strategies private. The fragmented electoral landscape suggests that coalition governments will likely be necessary to lead many municipalities.

This electoral performance signals a continuing trend of diminishing support for the ANC, which has dominated South African politics since 1994. The party's challenges in delivering essential services and addressing socio-economic issues appear to be resonating with the electorate.

The implications of these results extend beyond local governance, potentially influencing the national political landscape and the ANC's ability to maintain its majority in future general elections. The formation of stable and effective coalitions will be crucial for addressing the pressing issues faced by South communities.