Susanna Riva On November 4, 2026, South Africa held municipal elections, a crucial event for the governance of cities and municipalities. Voters across the country went to the polls amid tension, especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, where the capital, Durban, is at the center of a spiral of violence linked to political party rivalries.
The most striking result was the performance of the African National Congress (ANC), which saw its vote share fall to 30% , the lowest score in the history of local elections. This represents an unprecedented electoral collapse for the historic party once led by Nelson Mandela, and highlights a loss of confidence among voters, already shaken by economic and social problems.
ANC at 30%: its lowest result in local elections
The decline to 30% resulted in a loss of numerous seats in municipal councils, impacting the party's decision-making capacity at the local level. Analysts suggest that the combination of unemployment above 30% and perceived corruption pushed voters toward newer or more local alternatives.
The result was confirmed by independent observers and represents the first time the ANC has failed to secure a majority in several key municipalities, including parts of Durban.
Official data and statements
Electoral authorities released preliminary results, noting that the ANC lost more than five million votes compared to the previous election. In response, the ANC's national council called the result "a wake-up call" and emphasized the need for internal reforms to regain public trust.
Political assassinations and intimidation in Durban
Parallel to the electoral setback, the province of KwaZulu-Natal has been the scene of a series of political assassinations , primarily targeting local officials. According to the Global Initiative against Organized Crime, 43 homicides have been recorded since January this year , while South African authorities have confirmed 20. The victims were mostly key figures in municipal administration, often involved in internal party disputes and confrontations with criminal networks.
The case of Thabani Nyawose and the intimidation
In Durban, two ANC campaigners were killed. Thabani Nyawose , spokesperson for the city council, denounced a growing culture of threats: bullets left in front of homes, packages containing ammunition in mailboxes, and cases of domestic violence related to administrative roles. These incidents have generated a climate of fear, with many candidates considering abandoning the election campaign for security reasons.
Socio-economic context and civil society response
The economic context is key to understanding the escalation of violence. Mxolisi Nyuswa , representing the KwaZulu-Natal Christian Council, emphasized that in a country where unemployment exceeds 30% , a municipal office becomes a vital economic resource. This reality fuels competition between candidates, contributing to a "power struggle" that often erupts into violent clashes.
To address the situation, the Christian Council has launched mediation and dialogue programs , offering legal and psychological support to those reporting abuse. Interventions include meetings between political parties, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations, with the aim of reducing intimidation and strengthening trust in the democratic process.
Despite these efforts, this year's elections demonstrated how difficult it is to separate political governance from organized crime in regions where public employment is scarce and wealth is concentrated. The ANC's future will depend on its ability to reform its internal structure, respond to the population's economic needs, and ensure the safety of its local representatives.