ANC loses further ground in South African local elections
The Democratic Alliance leads in several major cities, making coalition talks likely.
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The governing African National Congress won about 30.8 per cent of the vote in South Africa’s local elections. The Democratic Alliance became the largest party in several major urban areas, but did not secure a majority everywhere.
The elections determine which parties lead municipal councils and city administrations. These local authorities are responsible for services including water, waste collection and road maintenance. The results therefore matter not only for national power relations, but also for daily services in major cities.
According to reports on the final count, the ANC remained the largest party nationally, with about 30.8 per cent. In the previous local elections in 2021, the party received 46 per cent. The result confirms the electoral decline that was already visible in the 2024 national elections.
In Johannesburg, the DA received the largest share of support among individual parties according to the available results, but not enough for a majority on the municipal council. In other urban areas too, smaller parties may therefore determine which coalition forms the administration. ActionSA is being mentioned as a possible negotiating partner in Gauteng.
The negotiations could produce different outcomes. A coalition between parties that oppose each other nationally could produce an administration with a shared agenda for service delivery. At the same time, disagreements over budgets, appointments and policy could lead to instability.
For the Netherlands and Europe, the result is particularly relevant as a sign of further political change in an important African economy and trading partner. The elections do not automatically mean a change of the national government. They do show, however, that the ANC is increasingly dependent on coalition partners locally and that opposition parties are taking on greater governing responsibility.
Also show the region and a close-up
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The ANC remained the largest party nationally, but lost support compared with 2021.
- The DA leads in several urban areas.
- Coalitions are needed in several municipalities.
Left
Arguments The result shows that voters have had enough of inadequate public services and inequality; new coalitions must invest in water, housing and local employment.
Values Social equality, public services and economic inclusion.
Consequences A broader coalition could represent more groups, but higher public spending could increase pressure on budgets.
Centre
Arguments The priority is stable municipal administrations that implement budgets and improve service delivery, regardless of which parties work together.
Values Administrative continuity, accountability and practical results.
Consequences Coalitions can provide stability, but only if parties make clear agreements on responsibility.
Right
Arguments The ANC’s decline rewards parties that promise more efficient government and financial discipline; coalitions must limit waste and party-political appointments.
Values Responsible government, market forces and individual responsibility.
Consequences Tighter financial management could improve service delivery, but spending cuts could hit vulnerable neighbourhoods harder.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The election result and the expected coalition formation have been confirmed by multiple independent sources. The text does not claim that a coalition has already been formed.
Editor's note
The national percentages and the DA’s position were reported by AP and regional media. Coalition outcomes have not yet been determined and are described as an expectation.Sources
More on this in Dutch media
- NRC — „zuid-afrika anc”
- NU.nl — „zuid-afrika anc”
- De Telegraaf — „zuid-afrika anc”