The African National Congress secured just 30.76 percent of the national vote in South Africa's 2026 local government elections, its lowest share in any contest since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Final results announced Sunday by the Independent Electoral Commission showed the once-dominant party down nearly 15 percentage points from its 45.59 percent in the 2021 municipal vote. The pro-business Democratic Alliance finished second with 24.64 percent, while former President Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe Party took 9.76 percent in its first municipal contest.

Voter turnout reached 52 percent, up from 45.9 percent five years ago. The ANC won outright majorities in only 53 of 212 municipalities and lost control in most major cities, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni. The DA secured outright control in 12 municipalities, with the Inkatha Freedom Party taking five and the MK Party three.

Roughly 127 councils emerged without a single-party majority, up sharply from 70 in 2021. Coalition negotiations are now underway in dozens of municipalities, including several metros.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula described the outcome as a clear message from voters frustrated by high unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and repeated corruption scandals. The party acknowledged it must improve service delivery to regain support.

The result continues the ANC's steady erosion of support that began after it lost its national parliamentary majority in the 2024 general election. Analysts view the municipal vote as a warning sign ahead of the 2029 national contest.