South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) is facing another electoral reckoning as voters prepare for local elections amid worsening public frustration over unemployment, crime, poverty, and failing infrastructure. The party won only 40.2% in the 2024 general election, a historic low, and analysts expect further losses because many municipal problems remain unresolved. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s image has also been dented by a long-running money-laundering probe tied to cash stolen at his game farm, even though impeachment proceedings remain stalled. The Democratic Alliance (DA), which governs nationally with the ANC, could gain ground, aided by Helen Zille’s mayoral campaign in Johannesburg. At the same time, the MK Party and smaller parties are positioned to capture disaffected voters. However, neither major party appears close to 50%, making coalition bargaining increasingly important in the long term.