South Africa is witnessing widespread discontent among residents of marginalized communities ahead of the local elections on November 4. In the suburbs of Johannesburg, a group of residents who have relied on illegal electricity connections for over 20 years are protesting the lack of urban services provided by the African National Congress (ANC) officials, declaring that they will not vote if electricity is not supplied.
Discontent in Marginalized Communities
Lisiba Rankapule, a local leader in Katlehong, reported deep dissatisfaction among residents regarding inadequate urban services, stating, "We have made a collective decision: no electricity, no vote." He noted that residents in this area have turned to illegal connections due to the lack of legal electricity supply, and this situation has become a serious dilemma.
Read more: Belgrade: 150,000-strong rally of student movement supporters ahead of pivotal elections
Other residents are also suffering from water and waste collection issues, fueling discontent towards the ANC party. Anok Majola, one resident, said, "I was born into the ANC, but today I don’t want anyone to talk to me about the ANC because I am suffering." These sentiments clearly indicate a decline in support for this party as a ruling party.
Decline in Support for the ANC
The ANC, founded under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, the freedom hero, garnered nearly 70% of the votes in the 2004 national elections. However, in the 2021 local elections, this percentage fell below 50, and in the 2024 national elections, it managed to secure just over 40% of the votes. This decline in support has led the party to seek political coalitions and allow other entities to compete more vigorously.
Political analysts predict that in the upcoming elections, no party will be able to achieve a majority, leading to the formation of political coalitions and hung councils. Meanwhile, while the DA is actively campaigning as the main rival to the ANC in these elections, many residents in various areas, including Alexandra, are calling for change and voting for other parties.
As the voting date approaches, the ANC has yet to select its candidate for the Johannesburg municipality. Madmishini Netoli, the party's election head, stated, "We have made mistakes and acknowledged our shortcomings, but the ANC remains the better option for the people."
This situation arises as both the ANC and DA are striving hard to win the votes of residents. Any outcome in this election could have a profound impact on the political future of South Africa and the provision of urban services.
Read more: Mark Carney's meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey · Protection of International Rights: From Lutuli to Pillay
