South Africa local elections: ANC under pressure to reverse decline

South Africans are voting in highly contested local elections involving more than 500 parties, with the ANC facing the prospect of further losses. The party, which won 40% of the vote in the last general election compared with 70% in 2004, has been weakened by anger over corruption, unemployment and crime, as well as deteriorating municipal services. In Alexandra, young residents point to poor services and a lack of change as reasons for not voting; 18-year-old Sanele Ntombela, by contrast, is excited to cast his first ballot and hopes it can help bring change. President Cyril Ramaphosa rejects claims that the ANC is in decline, while election officials say voting is proceeding smoothly despite long queues at some polling stations.