Mantashe unfazed as rivals chip away at ANC support

ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe maintained his composure amid opposition attempts to erode the party's support, emphasizing that political competition is an integral part of elections. At the Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) national results operation centre in Midrand on Thursday, Mantashe stated that rivals were merely attempting to win over ANC supporters.

He highlighted voter turnout and the latest projections from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), asserting that South Africans are exercising the democratic rights they won during the country's liberation struggle. Mantashe reiterated that the freedom to form political parties and choose alternatives is fundamental to democracy and that the ANC has no regrets about allowing this freedom.

He acknowledged that political parties are exploring various opportunities, with some seeking benefits while others believe they can perform better. Mantashe affirmed that a maturing democracy is a good democracy and that the political shifts seen globally are also occurring in South Africa. Despite the changing electoral landscape, the ANC continued to hold substantial influence, according to Mantashe.

However, early results suggest that influence is under significant pressure. The ANC's national support stands at 32.18% nationally, with its partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU), the Democratic Alliance (DA), second with 27.94% after 31% of votes were counted. The MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, secured third place with 6.52%, already gaining control of a council in its inaugural local government elections.

The ANC previously held outright control of eight out of the country's 213 councils, whereas the DA and the MK Party each controlled one. Another 29 councils were undecided, with 174 still pending. The Patriotic Alliance (PA) led with 68 seats, ahead of the MK Party in the tally. In KwaZulu-Natal, the MK Party led the ANC early on, while in the Eastern Cape, the ANC slipped below 50% support, having won more than 60% in the 2024 provincial election.

The ANC was also trailing its previous performance in Buffalo City, where it had won 59.4% in 2021 but was at 38.37% with 30% of votes counted. The Western Cape saw the PA trailing the ANC by less than a percentage point. The ANC faces its longtime ally, the South African Communist Party (SACP), which contests the elections separately.