South Africa | Local government elections: What to expect in 2021

South Africa will hold its local government elections on November 1 with popular discontent and voter apathy at an all-time high. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) and the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) will both see a drop in support, with the populist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and new parties benefiting. Hung councils will once again need coalitions to settle matters.

What you will learn about:

• The ANC will continue to see a drop in support, but will avoid dropping below 50% for the first time and, ironically, re-assume control of key metros.
• The DA will suffer reversals precisely as the country’s second-largest opposition party, the EFF, maintains its growth trajectory.
• With individual parties struggling to achieve majorities, coalitions will once again be key, but will involve different configurations to last time.