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The ANC’s implosion was decades in the making
The ANC suffered a sharp setback in South Africa’s 2026 local elections, winning 32.5 per cent of the vote but remaining the largest party. The article argues that its weakened support, especially in cities, reflects decades of choices that have alienated voters and left it reliant on coalition partners.
It traces the decline through three nine-year periods: Thabo Mbeki’s presidency, which brought economic growth but unmet expectations for redistribution; Jacob Zuma’s years, marked by state capture and an estimated cost of up to 500 billion rand; and Cyril Ramaphosa’s presidency, which the author characterises as indecisive. The article says the ANC’s tolerance of alleged misconduct and its handling of Zuma helped the MK Party win nearly 15 per cent nationally in 2024 and almost 10 per cent in 2026.
In short
- The ANC won 32.5 per cent in South Africa’s 2026 local elections.
- The article links its decline to three decades of leadership choices.
- Zuma-era state capture is estimated to have cost up to 500 billion rand.