Support for the African National Congress has fallen to an all-time low of 30% nationally ahead of the November 4 local government elections, down sharply from the 47.5% backing the party secured during the 2021 municipal vote, according to the latest Khayabus Pulse of the People survey by Ipsos.
Did You Know? The Ipsos Khayabus Pulse of the People study was conducted in homes and home languages between September 12 and October 13, 2026, using a sample of 2,533 registered voters for its voting-related findings.
National Support Shifts and the Rise of the Democratic Alliance
While the African National Congress remains South Africa’s largest political party, the Democratic Alliance has narrowed the gap significantly, emerging as the country’s second-biggest party at 28% support, up from 19.9% in 2021. Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party received 12% support in the simulated ballot, and the Economic Freedom Fighters garnered 10%.
Today our Local Government Elections Campaign Trail takes us to Makhanda, in the ANC Sarah Baartman Region where we will be conducting a door to door campaign in Ward 9 and end off the days activities with the Regional Mini Siyanqoba Rally taking place at Soccer City. The Eastern… pic.twitter.com/behk3qLox4
ActionSA and the Inkatha Freedom Party each attracted 4% support, while the Patriotic Alliance received 2%. Remaining parties collectively accounted for 7% of voter preference. Daily Maverick notes that the uMkhonto weSizwe Party saw its support in eThekwini drop to 47% from an earlier 55%—and down from 66% in an earlier poll, as reported by News24—amid reports that Jacob Zuma has been out of sight since early October.
Metropolitan Municipalities Face Coalition Realities
Ipsos survey results indicate that no single party commands majority support nationally, pointing toward coalition governments becoming an increasingly prominent feature of local governance across the country. Political analyst Mari Harris stated that new coalition governments will likely govern most metropolitan municipalities after the elections, alongside numerous local and district councils.
The ANC’s 2nd DSG, Cde Maropene Ramokgopa, has arrived in the Richmond Sub-Region of the Moses Mabhida Region, KwaZulu-Natal, where she received a briefing from regional leadership ahead of the final campaign push, reaffirming the ANC’s commitment to engaging communities and… pic.twitter.com/25ozuU97c1
In Johannesburg, the Democratic Alliance recorded 30% support against the African National Congress’s 27%, while the uMkhonto weSizwe Party received 12% and ActionSA 11%. In Tshwane, the Democratic Alliance sits three percentage points ahead of the African National Congress, with Daily Maverick citing Ipsos figures putting the Democratic Alliance at 34% compared to 31% for the African National Congress. In Cape Town, the Democratic Alliance continues to attract just over half of voter support at 51%, while the uMkhonto weSizwe Party remains the largest party in eThekwini despite its recent decline.
Frustrated voters plan to cast ballots despite widespread distrust
Voter frustration over poor service delivery has driven growing disillusionment, with 68% of registered voters agreeing that politicians cannot be trusted, while only 15% disagreed.
The Nkangala Region gathered at Thembalethu Community Hall for the Thembisile Hani Sub-Region Siyanqoba Mini Rally, showing support for the ANC ahead of the 4 November Local Government Elections. On 4 November, vote ANC to keep the People’s Movement at the forefront of building… pic.twitter.com/AtHguFmJSl
Despite this widespread dissatisfaction, 62% of respondents reported looking forward to voting in the 2026 local government elections. However, Ipsos highlighted concerns regarding voter registration and turnout. Out of 44.9 million voting-age adults, only 29.2 million are registered with the Independent Electoral Commission, leaving roughly 35% of eligible voters unregistered. Independent data analyst Michael O’Donovan projects that voter turnout on November 4 will be low, with less than half of registered voters expected to cast ballots.
Expert Insight: The fragmentation of the political landscape into 546 registered parties means that post-election coalition negotiations will likely involve considerable uncertainty. As analysts point out, the stability of future municipal councils depends heavily on whether parties can move beyond expedient alliances to prioritize effective local governance and service delivery.
African National Congress attracts thirty percent support
What percentage of support did the African National Congress receive in the latest survey?
The African National Congress attracted 30% support nationally among registered voters who selected a party on a simulated ballot paper.
How many people were interviewed for the Ipsos study?
The survey used a sample of 2,533 registered voters for voting-related findings between September 12 and October 13, 2026.
[IN PICTURES] I engaged with the community of Ward 9 in Makhanda, OR Tambo Region, reaffirming the commitment to vote for the ANC in the upcoming local government elections.#MbalulaInEasternCape#VoteANC2026#BuildingCommunitiesTogether pic.twitter.com/P0jQf912I4
What are the voter registration figures reported by Ipsos?
Out of South Africa’s 44.9 million voting-age adults, 29.2 million are registered with the Independent Electoral Commission, meaning about 35% of eligible voters are not registered.
How will shifting voter turnout and fragmentation among the country’s 546 registered parties ultimately reshape municipal leadership across South Africa’s metros?
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