South Africa’s ANC party suffers historic losses in local elections

The African National Congress (ANC), the party that has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994, has suffered a historic defeat in the country’s municipal elections, falling below 50% of the national vote for the first time.

The results, which were finalized following the November 1, 2021, polls, indicate a significant shift in the political landscape as voters expressed frustration over service delivery, corruption, and economic stagnation.

The governing African National Congress (ANC) has dipped below 50% of the vote for the first time in South Africa’s democratic history.

The ANC faced bruising losses in major metropolitan areas, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Gqeberha, signaling a decline in the party’s long-standing dominance. Analysts suggest that the outcome reflects a growing desire among the electorate for more accountability and effective governance at the local level.