South Africa Rejects ANC's Dominance, Ending Era of Post-Apartheid Rule

For the first time since dismantling apartheid 30 years ago, the African National Congress (ANC) has lost its political stronghold in South Africa. The ANC garnered only about 40 percent of the vote in the latest election, a significant drop from the nearly 58 percent it secured in 2019, falling short of an absolute majority.

Renowned globally through the leadership of Nelson Mandela, the ANC now has a two-week window to form a coalition government with one or more rival parties. Lacking an absolute majority means the ANC can no longer unilaterally select the country's president, jeopardizing President Cyril Ramaphosa's chance for a second term.

A key issue for the ANC is its stance towards former leader Jacob Zuma, who resigned in 2018 amid corruption charges. Zuma’s newly established party, formed just six months ago, captured 15 percent of the vote, further complicating the ANC's position.