Recent polling data indicates the African National Congress (ANC) is facing a significant decline in public support, dropping below 30% nationally. This is one of the party’s lowest levels of support since the beginning of democracy in South Africa.
The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), led by John Steenhuisen, appears to be benefiting the most from this shift. Internal DA polls suggest the party is now leading in several major metropolitan areas, including Johannesburg, Tshwane, and Nelson Mandela Bay, ahead of next year’s local government elections.
The data shows the ANC has fallen 11 percentage points since the last national election, where it received 40% of the vote. This decline points to a challenging campaign for the party as it tries to hold onto municipalities it has traditionally controlled.
Political analysts note that the DA’s gains are largely due to voter dissatisfaction with the ANC rather than a surge in popularity for the opposition. “The ANC is not only bleeding support—it is losing its grip on the perception that it is the natural party of governance,” observed political analyst Lindiwe Mahlangu.
DA leader John Steenhuisen stated that the polling numbers send a clear message that voters will no longer tolerate broken promises and failing local services. He said his party is preparing to compete more aggressively in areas once considered ANC strongholds.
However, experts caution that polls can change and that the ANC still maintains significant support in rural areas. Despite this, falling below the 30% mark is a major psychological blow for the party.
The upcoming local elections are set to be a dramatic showdown, with the ANC now appearing as a weakened incumbent rather than the dominant political force it once was.