IN PICTURES: A day at the polling stations — South Africa votes

Voters in South Africa began queuing early Wednesday to cast ballots in municipal elections. In Johannesburg, polling stations saw turnout in areas including Alexandra, Ivory Park, and Emmarentia, where voters braved rain to participate. RFI English reports that anger regarding crime, corruption, and failing public services poses a threat of further losses for the African National Congress.

Following his vote, President Cyril Ramaphosa commented on the midterm election results in the United States, stating that the Democratic control of the Senate and House would usher in a new era in world relations. Ramaphosa noted that relations between South Africa and the US are currently at a low point, following Donald Trump's targeting of the country over claims regarding the persecution of white people.

Regarding trade, Ramaphosa said that the announcement that South Africa would be suspended from the US AGOA trade initiative starting in January is a negative for the country. He stated that South Africa is focusing on diversifying and securing new export markets while continuing trade relations with the US. Mail and Guardian reports that the US plans to terminate South Africa's AGOA eligibility by 2027, noting that the resulting uncertainty during negotiations poses a threat to businesses.

Brief written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick, SABC News, Mail and Guardian, RFI English — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.