South Africa: Municipal elections amid social discontent

South African voters go to the polls on November 4 in municipal elections shaped by anger over failures in public services. In Johannesburg, where taps have been dry for two weeks, authorities promised on Monday to restore a reliable water supply. Residents Linda Mthembu and Sbonakaliso Sishi cited shortages of water and electricity and the country’s deterioration, while the African National Congress is expected to lose further support. The vote will test the party’s popularity ahead of the 2029 national elections.