Is This the End of ANC Rule in South Africa's Cities?

Is this the beginning of the end of ANC rule in South Africa’s cities?

Is this the beginning of the end of ANC rule in South Africa’s cities?

With the 2026 local government elections fast approaching, the ANC faces a serious challenge to its political dominance. From Johannesburg to Durban and Tshwane, opposition parties are positioning themselves to wrest control of South Africa’s major metropolitan municipalities.

But is the ANC really on its way out? Can the DA capitalise on growing dissatisfaction with the ruling party? Will Jacob Zuma’s MK Party deliver another electoral shock? And could South Africans simply be trading ANC mismanagement for another round of dysfunctional coalition governments?

In this episode of the Rational Standard Podcast, host Nicholas Woode-Smith is joined by Dr Martin van Staden and David Ansara to examine the upcoming municipal elections, the parties and personalities fighting for control, and what the results could mean for the future of South African politics.

Together, they discuss the ANC’s declining support, Helen Zille’s political ambitions, the rise of MK, the challenges facing opposition parties, and whether a change in political leadership will actually improve service delivery.

Will the ANC lose its grip on South Africa’s cities, or is it too early to write off the ruling party?

Let us know your election predictions in the comments!