Cyril Ramaphosa defends ANC ahead of local elections

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed recent opinion polls suggesting a decline in support for the African National Congress (ANC) ahead of the November 4, 2026, local government elections. Speaking at a final rally in the Eastern Cape, Ramaphosa asserted that the party is rising rather than entering a downward spiral, urging supporters to turn out to the polls to defeat opposition parties.

In Limpopo, the ANC expressed confidence in retaining control of all 22 local and five district municipalities. Party spokesperson Ernest Rachoene stated that successful door-to-door campaigning has positioned the party for victory in the province.

Ramaphosa also criticized opposition leaders, accusing them of focusing on criticism rather than service delivery. This comes as the ANC faces pressure regarding unemployment, crime, corruption, and infrastructure challenges. While recent polls from Ipsos and the Social Research Foundation project a significant drop in national support compared to 2021, Ramaphosa maintains the party remains the only organization capable of delivering meaningful results.