South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa votes in crucial municipal elections for the ANC

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa voted in Johannesburg on Wednesday in municipal elections seen as crucial for the ANC, which has governed since the end of apartheid. The party faces deteriorating roads and other infrastructure, water and electricity shortages, deep social inequality and unemployment above 30%. After winning 45.5% in the 2021 local elections and 40% in the May 2024 general election, the ANC is projected by several polls to fall below 40%. Results expected in the coming days will indicate political strength ahead of the next general election and could influence the succession to Ramaphosa as ANC leader; the party’s next congress is scheduled for December 2027.