Mokonyane Acknowledges Poor Service Delivery Hurting ANC Voter Turnout

Persistent Challenges in Traditional Strongholds

Poor service delivery has been acknowledged as a significant factor contributing to declining voter turnout in longstanding African National Congress (ANC) territories. Speaking at the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) results operation centre in Midrand, ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane confirmed that the party is facing increased electoral pressure as communities express their dissatisfaction, particularly where municipal services continue to lag.

Mokonyane highlighted that issues such as ongoing water shortages and uncollected rubbish have left many residents feeling disillusioned. These persistent problems have eroded public trust and engagement, especially in communities that historically backed the ANC in local government polls.

A Growing Political Contest

The 2026 local government elections have shaped into a markedly competitive contest. Early results indicated that opposition parties are making notable gains across several municipalities, placing traditional ANC strongholds under threat. Mokonyane’s remarks reflect a broader national mood in which service delivery and day-to-day living conditions have become central issues shaping voter sentiment and behaviour.

Community Disillusionment and Daily Struggles

Mokonyane acknowledged the lived realities of residents, many of whom wake up each day facing basic service delivery challenges. She specifically referenced difficulties encountered in Soweto and older township areas, citing examples where indigent policies had been discontinued, leading to the attachment of residents’ properties.

“They’ve also found themselves in a situation where some of their properties, both in Soweto and in the old towns, where, more than the past eight years of DA rule, the indigent policy was dropped, and their properties have been attached,” Mokonyane explained.

Such hardships contribute to the sense of alienation from political processes, as voters increasingly measure parties’ performance against the concrete realities of their daily lives.

Renewal and Responsibility

Mokonyane emphasised the need for the ANC’s renewal programme to extend beyond internal organisational reforms. She called for a renewed commitment to building robust relationships with communities, rooted in resolving practical service delivery issues.

“Our renewal must go beyond just building ANC branches, but it must be about building relationships and being seen resolving people’s issues, even where we are not governing,” Mokonyane stated.

Her comments signal a recognition within the ANC that genuine renewal must address public grievances regarding essential services and not merely focus on party infrastructure or internal affairs.

Challenges and the Way Forward

The ANC, according to Mokonyane, carries the responsibility to actively intervene in addressing the challenges impacting communities. This includes the restoration of policies and programmes that support vulnerable citizens and ensure basic service delivery.

• Water shortages and sanitation remain major complaints in many municipalities.
• The accumulation of uncollected rubbish poses health and safety risks, further increasing public frustration.
• Economic and policy changes have, in some areas, reduced the protection afforded to indigent residents, leading to asset loss and deepened vulnerability.

These complex local issues have, over time, translated into broader political consequences for the ANC at the ballot box. Low voter turnout in traditional base areas is considered especially telling of the frustration and scepticism among residents.

Implications for South African Politics

Service delivery has long been a touchstone of South African local government elections. The current contest underscores the importance for political parties, including the ANC, to respond directly to the communities’ pressing concerns if they hope to retain trust and support.

While organisational renewal efforts continue, many observers argue that tangible improvements to daily living conditions may be essential in reversing the trend of waning voter engagement in established strongholds.