The key facts

  • Voting ended at 21:00 local time; counting began overnight on Thursday
  • Approximately 12 million people voted by 17:00 out of more than 29 million registered voters
  • Official results are expected on Thursday or Friday

Voting has ended, counting begins

Voting in South Africa's local elections concluded on Wednesday at 21:00 local time. Polling stations opened at 07:00 and operated across the country. According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), by 17:00, approximately 12 million people out of more than 29 million registered voters cast their ballots at around 23,700 polling stations. The commission stated it was 'encouraged' by voter turnout despite some operational challenges during the day. Counting began overnight after the closure of polling stations: preliminary partial results were announced throughout the night, and official results are expected on Thursday or Friday, reports Anadolu.

What these elections are testing

The local elections serve as a test of support for the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has suffered significant electoral losses in recent years: in the 2021 municipal elections, its national share dropped below 50% for the first time, and in the 2024 general elections, the party lost its majority in the national parliament for the first time, forming a government of national unity with the Democratic Alliance and other parties. Dozens of parties, including the ANC, the Democratic Alliance, the Economic Freedom Fighters, and the Inkatha Freedom Party, are competing for municipal seats. The party of former president Jacob Zuma, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), is participating in local elections for the first time.

What voters are dissatisfied with

Voters interviewed by Anadolu most frequently cited the deterioration of basic municipal services as their reason for voting. Chris Mazibuko, a 38-year-old resident of Soweto, said he is voting 'for change' and wants to see normal service delivery; according to him, his area suffers from a lack of clean drinking water and leaking sewage pipes. Aisha Mohamed, a resident of Mayfair West, identified public safety as the main issue, noting high levels of crime and drug trafficking on the streets. These voices indicate that on South Africa's local elections, the key agenda remains municipal services and safety, not just the balance of power at the national level.