South Africa votes under shadow of service failures

South Africans are voting in municipal elections amid crumbling infrastructure, water shortages, persistent inequality and unemployment above 30 percent. The ANC is projected to remain the largest party, but its support has eroded; after winning just over 40 percent in the 2024 national vote, it had to form a government of national unity with nine other parties. The Democratic Alliance is targeting Johannesburg, while Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe party is mounting a challenge in Durban. Uncertain majorities in several large cities could lead to another round of coalition negotiations.