An earlier tally cited by Associated Press put the ANC near 31% with 76% counted. These snapshots come from different stages of counting; they are neither a final declaration nor the final allocation of municipal seats.
The party won just over 45% nationally in the 2021 local elections. The immediate question concerns coalitions governing major cities, including Johannesburg and eThekwini, where outcomes remained unsettled in the reports reviewed.
Councils manage services including water, road maintenance and rubbish collection. The ANC acknowledges losing support, AP reports. The composition of local executives will depend on the complete results and subsequent agreements between parties.