South Africa on Edge as Nation Approaches Significant Election

ANC weaker than ever, but experts predict it’ll stay in government with support of smaller parties.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses new members of the African National Congress (ANC) during an election campaign ahead of the 2024 general elections, at the Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre in Chatsworth township, north of Durban, on May 14, 2023. Rajesh Jantilal/AFP via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG—South Africa votes next on May 29 in an election analysts expect to be the most significant since the country’s first multiracial poll in 1994.

All the numbers are indicating that the socialist African National Congress (ANC) will lose the majority it has held since Nelson Mandela swept to power 30 years ago to end decades of white minority rule.