JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG — Following the 2026 local elections in South Africa, the establishment of stable coalition governance has emerged as the primary mechanism for restoring public confidence and addressing deep-seated voter dissatisfaction, according to leading political researchers.
The recent local government elections have resulted in a highly fragmented political landscape. More than 100 municipalities are now hung, and seven of the eight metropolitan areas are without outright winners. Political parties have just 14 days to convene councils and secure coalition agreements, raising critical questions about the stability of emerging alliances and their ability to deliver effective governance.
Dr. Steven Gordon, Chief Research Specialist at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), highlights that this political shift occurs against a backdrop of profound democratic fatigue. According to the Voter Participation Survey (VPS), conducted by the HSRC and commissioned by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in late 2025 and early 2026, public faith in the democratic system is under severe strain.
The survey revealed that only 35% of South Africans believe democracy is the best available system, while 34% are open to non-democratic alternatives and 26% express a preference for political fatalism. Dr. Gordon noted that democracy itself is currently under the spotlight, as many citizens feel the system is no longer working for them.
The data underscores widespread discontent with the status quo. A small share of only 28% of the general population said they were satisfied with the general economic situation, while 75% of all citizens indicated dissatisfaction with the general situation overall. Furthermore, 82% of citizens feel that corruption, the cost of living, unemployment, and crime have deteriorated over the past five years. Trust in local government is particularly low, with only 18% of the general population expressing confidence in their municipal authorities.
Despite the pervasive dissatisfaction, voter engagement showed unexpected resilience. Out of 40 million eligible South Africans, 29 million were registered, and 15.9 million cast their ballots, with half a million votes spoiled. This turnout was 10% higher than the 2021 local government elections—which were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic—and remained comparable to the turnout seen in 2016. Dr. Gordon attributed this to political parties, the media, and the IEC successfully encouraging voters with a sense of hope that their participation could drive change.
Looking ahead, the newly formed coalitions face the challenge of engaging a highly critical electorate, particularly Generation Z. Dr. Gordon observed that Generation Z is highly critical of the political status quo and the older demographic currently in power, noting that very few Gen Z candidates were elected in the 2026 local elections. However, this younger generation, along with the broader public, remains highly responsive to practical, good governance.
To regain public trust, Dr. Gordon emphasized that leaders must prioritize the needs of citizens over party interests. Addressing basic service delivery, improving standards of living, and tackling unemployment, crime, and the cost of living in townships, villages, and suburbs are essential.
While acknowledging that other countries utilize specific laws to regulate coalition behavior and enforce agreements to prevent destabilization, Dr. Gordon stressed that legal frameworks must be passed by parliament. Ultimately, he concluded that establishing a political culture where elected officials serve their communities—rather than themselves—is the most crucial step toward stabilizing South Africa’s municipalities and securing the future of its democracy.
