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ANC admits service delivery failures hurt election campaign

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has admitted that voter frustration over poor service delivery, power cuts, water shortages, and internal divisions drove massive election…

Malema calls for progressive alliance as EFF confronts electoral losses

EFF leader Julius Malema has addressed the party's declining electoral support, urging progressive parties to unite while pledging to direct party resources towards delivering…

DA and ActionSA face coalition test as Gauteng metros hang in the balance

The DA and ActionSA face high-stakes coalition talks as hung councils in major Gauteng metros leave the future of municipal governance hanging in the balance.

In suspense: ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane at the party booth at the IEC results centre. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

ANC may need a blue lifeline in Joburg

As election results point to a tight race in Johannesburg, the ANC may be pushed toward an uneasy coalition with the DA despite fierce resistance from local party leaders.

Voter turnout: The 2026 local government elections marked a recovery in voter turnout after the record low of 2021. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy

15.9 million voters reshape local politics as coalitions loom

Voter turnout rebounded to 15.9 million in the 2026 local government elections, driven by middle-class frustration over service delivery failures as preliminary results point to…

Frustration: There’s a growing disillusionment among young people who have become increasingly sceptical of the political promises made to them.

‘They have forgotten us’

In Tembisa, community members grapple with voter fatigue, persistent service delivery failures, and shifting political loyalties as traditional parties lose ground.

Turnaround sought: An elderly Sophiatown resident says only “Gogo”, referring to DA leader Helen Zille, could return the crime-and-grimeridden neighbourhood to its former glory. Photo: DA

Sophiatown’s patience is wearing thin

Frustrated by mounting crime, dry taps, and uncollected rubbish, Sophiatown residents headed to the polls demanding urgent solutions and accountable leadership.

Mind the gap: Nelson Mandela Bay municipality demonstrates how repeated political changes become a problem. Photo: NMBM

Sharing power is easy; governing is hard

As South African municipalities grapple with water crises and unstable leadership, coalition governance faces a crucial test: moving beyond survival politics toward transparent,…

Filling the void: Although the absence of international election observers during the 4 November elections raises questions about oversight, it does not mean an election lacks credibility. Domestic observers, political party agents, civil society organisations and journalists can also play essential roles. Photo: IEC

The ballot box is only the beginning

South Africa’s local elections present a crucial test of electoral integrity and democratic resilience, demonstrating whether declining support for ruling parties can coexist…

Jacob Zuma addresses members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party outside the high court in Johannesburg on April 11, 2024. (Photo by EMMANUEL CROSET / AFP)

Zuma makes plethora of promises as MK party takes early lead in KZN

Former President Jacob Zuma has pledged to aggressively tackle poverty and raise pensions as his uMkhonto weSizwe party secured an early lead in KwaZulu-Natal during vote counting.

Ward 90 councillor candidate Paul Nkhumane puts service delivery at the centre of his campaign

Ward 90 councillor candidate Paul Nkhumane has pledged to put service delivery, infrastructure, and youth participation at the forefront of his agenda for Ekurhuleni residents.

Bakerton CPF member Sadah Pachigadas.

The Bakerton Ballot: Political paralysis meets community policing in Ekurhuleni’s Ward 72

As rival political parties trade blame over service delivery failures in Ekurhuleni's Ward 72, the Bakerton Community Police Forum is stepping up to hold whoever wins accountable.

Alexandra residents question political promises as parties campaign across township

Despite a heavy presence of political parties campaigning in Alexandra, residents express growing disillusionment over persistent service delivery failures and empty election…

The MK Party says it will oppose the Gauteng provincial budget after the ANC snubbed its requests on KwaZulu-Natal

MK Party calls for urgent investigation into killing of KZN leader Lastborn Shazi

The MK Party demands an urgent investigation by the Political Killings Task Team after its Ugu regional leader, Lastborn Shazi, was assassinated at his home in uMzumbe,…

President Cyril Ramaphosa & Helen Zille. Image: Supplied

Post election ANC-DA coalition likely

As the ANC and DA prepare to battle for Johannesburg and Cape Town in the local government elections, analysts suggest a post-election coalition between the two major parties…