ANC Holds Narrow Lead in Johannesburg Ahead of Local Elections

A recent Ipsos survey shows that South Africa’s ANC narrowly leads the Democratic Alliance in Johannesburg ahead of local elections in November. The poll found that the ANC enjoys 31% support in the commercial capital, compared with 28% for the DA. The findings point to a closely contested race in Johannesburg, where deteriorating water and garbage services, protests, and municipal financial problems have fueled public frustration. The poll also shows the DA leading in Cape Town with 46%, though support has fallen since the 2021 elections. In Durban’s eThekwini municipality, former president Jacob Zuma’s MK party is polling above 55%, putting it ahead of both major parties. Ipsos cautioned that the results are not a firm prediction, noting that there are two months of campaigning left before voters decide.