South Africans are heading to the polls for local government elections, a vote seen as a critical test for the African National Congress (ANC) amid its ongoing electoral decline. The elections will determine control of the country’s largest cities and municipal services.
Voters will elect councilors who, in turn, will choose mayors responsible for services such as water, sanitation, and rubbish collection. Beyond local issues, national concerns including high unemployment, crime, and illegal immigration are also prominent in campaign discussions.
"I think for most voters, they assess the situation of where they are, that’s their immediate reaction. But for a party, the image that you have at national level might make your candidate at local level be overlooked," said Sandile Mnguni, a political analyst at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
The ANC lost its parliamentary majority in 2024 and subsequently formed a unity government with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other smaller parties. In the previous municipal elections in 2021, the ANC lost control of several major cities and now governs others through coalitions.
Johannesburg, a key economic hub with nearly 5 million residents and most of South Africa's corporate headquarters, is a major focus. Currently governed by a fragile ANC-led coalition, the city has experienced significant political instability, leading to deteriorating infrastructure, financial mismanagement, and a general decline.
Campaigns for the mayoral positions in Johannesburg have seen several high-profile candidates. Helen Zille, a veteran politician for the DA, has engaged in various public activities to rally support. The Economic Freedom Fighters have nominated Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, while Herman Mashaba, the opposition ActionSA candidate, is seeking to regain the mayoral seat.
Across the country, politicians are facing voter complaints about a severe water crisis affecting both impoverished townships and affluent suburbs. In Pretoria, over 500 people were recently treated for stomach illnesses believed to be linked to contaminated water, with all major parties facing blame for the ongoing issues.
Similar grievances regarding inadequate drainage, water leaks, blocked sewers, and poor flood response have been raised on the campaign trail in the Eastern Cape. The ANC provincial leader, Oscar Mabuyane, has acknowledged these issues and appointed a team to investigate potential links between poor water quality and a gastrointestinal illness outbreak affecting university students.
Protests against illegal immigration have also become a significant election talking point, with opposition parties like ActionSA and the Patriotic Alliance making it a central theme. These parties argue that undocumented immigrants contribute to unemployment, strain public services, and increase crime rates, sentiments that have resonated with some voters. Meanwhile, candidates from the Economic Freedom Fighters have faced criticism for their stance on a more integrated Africa with fewer trade barriers and relaxed movement restrictions.