South Africans are heading to the polls in municipal elections, with growing frustration over corruption, crime and failing public services putting pressure on the African National Congress (ANC).

Voters began queuing early on Wednesday, November 4, as communities across the country cast their ballots to elect local government representatives. The elections are being closely watched amid mounting public dissatisfaction over service delivery challenges, including water shortages, electricity disruptions, poor infrastructure and concerns about crime.

The vote is expected to test the ANC’s support at local government level, with public anger over governance and municipal performance threatening to further weaken the party’s electoral position.

The outcome will provide an important indication of voter confidence in the country’s political leadership and could shape the balance of power in municipalities across South Africa.

As voting continues, attention is turning to whether the ANC can retain its influence or whether opposition parties will make further gains amid calls for accountability and improved service delivery.