ANC support plunges as voters splinter among parties ahead of local polls

With November's local government elections approaching, fresh polling indicates that declining ANC support is feeding a fragmented party landscape rather than a straightforward boost for the Democratic Alliance. Analysts say South African politics is entering a phase of "dynamic fragmentation".

A Social Research Foundation / Common Sense survey published in early September put the ANC at about 36%, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) at 24%, the DA at 13%, the EFF at 12% and smaller parties at 15% among black voters in one cut of the data — underscoring how preferences have dispersed. Separately, Ipsos has projected ANC national support near 31%, well below its 2021 local-election share.

The governing party's campaign has also been unsettled by a dispute with the Electoral Commission over late or missing candidate submissions in parts of the Eastern Cape, and by delays in finalising metro candidate lists. Pollsters caution that turnout will heavily shape outcomes, while metros from Buffalo City to eThekwini look set for hung councils or sharp realignments.

Source: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-09-13-voters-splinter-among-parties-as-support-for-the-anc-plunges/