# Why South Africa’s local elections matter

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/why-south-africas-local-elections-matter/
- Published: 2026-11-03T15:06:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-03T20:08:01+00:00
- Original publisher: DW
- Original article: https://www.dw.com/en/why-south-africa-s-local-elections-matter/a-79842695?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
- Topics: Africa, Elections, Politics, World

## Key points

- Water and service failures are central voter concerns.
- The elections will determine control of major cities.
- Polling suggests the ANC could lose further support.

## Summary

South Africans are voting for municipal leaders amid water shortages, failing infrastructure and frustration with basic services. The elections will decide who runs major cities and test whether the African National Congress (ANC) can halt its decline in support.

Residents in Tembisa described sewage in streets, frequent power cuts and doubts that voting will improve daily life, while others said it gives voters a way to hold parties accountable. Water problems are widespread: an analyst said half of the country’s drinking water systems are not fit for drinking, and nearly 70% of wastewater treatment works are in critical condition. The ANC won 45.59% of the vote and majorities in 122 of 213 municipalities in 2021, down from 53.91% and 161 councils in 2016; Ipsos forecasts its support could fall to 30%, potentially increasing coalition-run municipalities.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.