ANC Loses Majority in South Africa's Local Elections, Faces Political Decline

South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) has recorded its worst-ever showing in local elections since the end of apartheid, with the party winning 31% of the vote and losing control of a majority of provinces and cities. The ANC won the most votes in the country, but its overall vote share has dropped from 46% in 2021 to 31% in 2024, a far cry from the 65% it held in 2004. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has maintained control of Cape Town, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and former president Jacob Zuma's MK party have gained ground. Analysts attribute the decline to poor service delivery and infrastructure issues, and the party may face a leadership change next year. The ANC's decline is part of a broader trend, as the party lost its parliamentary majority in the national elections in 2024 for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994. The party will elect a new leader next year as Cyril Ramaphosa comes to the end of his term as president of the country. Analysts predict that the ANC may face a long period of infighting and a decline in support, as South Africa moves towards a post-racial voting pattern.