South Africa’s ruling African National Congress will meet today, 12 November, to assess its worst election performance in history and plan coalition talks after voters stripped the party of its municipal dominance.
The ANC, Africa’s oldest liberation movement, secured just 31% of the vote in last week’s local government elections. While it remains the country’s largest party, support dropped sharply across major cities including Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Voters punished President Cyril Ramaphosa’s party over corruption scandals and its failure to deliver basic public services in areas it governs.
Coalition framework on the agenda
The National Executive Committee, the party’s highest decision-making body, will adopt a framework to guide coalition negotiations. Members will also hear reports on early talks with other parties.
“The election outcome has placed before the ANC a serious political responsibility to listen to the people, confront its shortcomings and provide leadership as municipalities prepare to establish governments,” the party said.
Cape Town was the only one of South Africa’s eight major metros where a party won an outright majority. The liberal Democratic Alliance, the ANC’s closest rival, secured 56.4% of the vote there.
Complex bargaining ahead
The fragmented results in other metros will force complex coalition negotiations. South Africa’s previous local coalitions have struggled with infighting, shifting loyalties and collapsing majorities. This often left councils unable to function and basic services neglected.
The ANC already shares power at national level after losing its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general election. It now governs through a coalition with nine other parties.
The party said on Wednesday its response would focus on improving South Africans’ lives and advancing party renewal, not just “negotiating for positions”.
Leadership questions loom
Thursday’s meeting comes as the ANC approaches a leadership transition. The party will choose in coming months which candidate will lead it into the 2029 general election.
Local media report that some within the movement want Ramaphosa to step down as ANC president before his term ends. They argue the party needs a reset after this latest electoral blow.
Ramaphosa has dismissed speculation that he plans to resign.
Under South African law, newly elected councils must meet for the first time within 14 days of the formal results declaration. Councillors will then elect mayors and other office-bearers.
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