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Why South Africa’s local elections matter
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.
In short
- Water and service failures are central voter concerns.
- The elections will determine control of major cities.
- Polling suggests the ANC could lose further support.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Municipal elections let residents choose leaders responsible for local services and give them a peaceful way to reward effective councils or replace those that fail. Even where improvement is slow, voting can signal public priorities, strengthen accountability and influence whether councils are run by a single party or through coalitions.
The case against
Severe and persistent problems with water, sanitation, power and infrastructure give residents reason to doubt that changing councillors will improve daily life. If parties lack the capacity or political will to fix these failures, elections may offer limited practical change, while fragmented coalitions could make it harder to govern consistently.
Explained simply
South Africa is governed at national, provincial and municipal levels. Municipal councils oversee local services such as water, sanitation, refuse collection and roads, and choose the mayors who lead many city administrations.
The African National Congress (ANC), which has governed South Africa nationally since the end of apartheid, has also long been the largest party in many municipalities. Its support fell in the 2021 local elections, and if no party wins a council majority, parties may need to form coalitions to run it.
The condition of local services affects daily life, while election results show whether voters still back the parties running their councils. They can also change which parties share power in cities and towns.
Africa Elections Politics World