AGP Executive Report

Election Fallout: The ANC finished with a record-low 30.76% of the vote, while the DA won 24.64% and leads in five metros. More than 130 councils lack outright majorities, setting off coalition talks. Johannesburg: Despite leading with 34.84%, the DA could be shut out as the ANC explores a coalition with ActionSA, the MK Party and EFF—leaving Helen Zille’s mayoral prospects uncertain. Service Delivery: The SAHRC has put Tshwane on notice over water and sanitation failures; the city loses 39% of usable water through leaks, costing about R1.9 billion. Public Safety: Three people were killed and another injured in a drive-by shooting in Cape Town’s Grassy Park, amid a wider wave of deadly taxi-related violence. Markets: The rand firmed as softer oil eased inflation concerns, though investors are watching coalition negotiations. Weather: Extreme heat and dangerous fire conditions are forecast in parts of the Western and Northern Cape.

Election Fallout: Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed rumours he may resign, saying the ANC accepts voters’ verdict. The party finished with 30.76% in local elections, its worst result since 1994; the DA won 24.64%. Coalition Talks: With 138 councils hung and the DA holding the only outright metro majority, parties face negotiations to form local governments. Talks are due to start Wednesday, with councils required to be formed within 14 days. Election Oversight: The IEC says it fired 25 temporary staff in KwaZulu-Natal for alleged partisan conduct and other breaches. A revote is also planned in Douglas after ballot papers were destroyed. Sport: Mamelodi Sundowns lost 3-1 to Algeria’s USM Alger in the CAF Super Cup in Pretoria. Eben Etzebeth has been recalled to the Springboks squad ahead of their France test. Weather: Extreme heat is forecast in parts of the Western and Northern Cape, while heavy rain and hail have hit other areas.

Election Fallout: With nearly all votes counted, the ANC is headed for its worst local-election result since 1994, at about 31%. The DA leads in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni, setting up coalition talks; the IEC has received 197 objections and ordered recounts in five wards. Public Safety: Four people were killed and two wounded, including a child, in a shooting at Bellville taxi rank. A UDM councillor was also shot dead in Gqeberha as police investigate a possible political motive. Severe Weather: An orange level 5 warning forecasts disruptive rain and flooding in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with severe thunderstorms expected in several provinces. Rugby: The Springboks thrashed Italy 66-7 in Turin, but coach Rassie Erasmus says they must improve before facing France, who have lost fly-half Romain Ntamack to injury. Education: A Cape Town family is still waiting for a Grade 8 placement for 2027 amid high demand and limited school places.

Election Shake-up: With 99% of votes counted, the ANC is on about 31%—its worst local-election showing—while the DA has roughly 25%. The IEC has ordered recounts in five wards after reviewing 197 objections and plans to announce final results on Sunday. Coalition Talks: About 128 councils are projected to be hung, including seven of the eight metros. Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa will meet provincial officials to prepare for negotiations and support stable councils. Springboks: South Africa crushed Italy 66-7 in Turin, scoring nine tries to stay unbeaten in the Nations Championship. Fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu left with a head injury scare; France are next on November 13. Severe Weather: An orange level-five warning forecasts flooding across central and southern KwaZulu-Natal, with severe thunderstorms also expected in parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

Election Shift: With about 95% of votes counted, the ANC stood at 31.2%, down sharply from 45.6% in 2021, while the DA had 24.4%. The DA retained Cape Town and led in several metros; the MK Party led in eThekwini, where it has challenged the count. Coalition talks loom, with 110 councils reported hung. Trade Pressure: The US has suspended South Africa from AGOA, putting export sectors and jobs at risk. Pretoria is seeking a bilateral trade deal and exporters are looking to diversify markets. Cricket Scandal: Former Australia opener Usman Khawaja says the whole team knew about the 2018 ball-tampering plot in Cape Town, and claims it was also used in Port Elizabeth. Cricket Australia is standing by its investigation, while former coach Darren Lehmann disputes Khawaja’s account. Data Privacy: The Information Regulator fined FNB R1 million for POPIA breaches, after scrutiny of the bank’s collection of customer information from sources including telecoms operators, social media and online retailers.

Election Results: With about 90% of votes counted, the ANC is on roughly 31%—its worst municipal result—while the DA has about 24%. The DA looks set to retain Cape Town with more than 60%, but hung councils will trigger coalition talks, including in Johannesburg. Vote Integrity: The IEC rejected social media claims that an official voted four times, saying she was scanned at the wrong district before voting in her registered one. Trade and Jobs: South Africa is preparing for the loss of US duty-free trade benefits under AGOA from 2027; the government says it will support affected businesses as exporters face higher costs and jobs come under threat. Travel: Qantas plans to launch the first direct Sydney–Cape Town flights in October 2027, with three weekly services expected to add nearly 30,000 seats between Australia and South Africa.

Election Results: With about 72% of votes counted, the ANC is on roughly 32% nationally, its worst local-election showing, while the DA has about 24%. The DA leads in several metros, including Johannesburg, while the MK Party is ahead in KwaZulu-Natal. Many councils are expected to need coalitions. Counting and Coalitions: The IEC has urged parties and voters not to share unverified results as it resolves objections and completes checks. DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis says coalition discussions have begun; MK’s claims of wins in nine municipalities remain unconfirmed. Service Delivery: Voters’ anger over failing water, electricity and municipal services helped drive the ANC’s losses. An Ipsos survey found 55% of registered voters distrust local government. Trade and Economy: The US plans to end South Africa’s AGOA trade benefits from January 2027, putting some exporters and jobs at risk. Meanwhile, GDP rebasing lifted the estimated size of the economy by 5.3% and lowered Treasury’s projected peak debt ratio to 74.6%. Springboks: South Africa face Italy in Turin on Saturday, beginning a four-Test European tour in the Nations Championship.

Election Count: With more than half the local-election votes counted, the ANC was near 32% and the DA around 26%, pointing to a sharply fragmented political map and coalition talks in many municipalities. Turnout reached an estimated 54.5%, above 2021’s level. The IEC said more than 60% of results had been captured and expects to finalise results by the weekend. US Trade: South Africa’s removal from AGOA duty-free access is due in January. US Democrats have criticised the decision after their midterm gains, but a policy reversal is not assured. Public Finances: A statistical revision put the economy 5.3% larger than previously estimated, lowering Treasury’s estimate of the debt-to-GDP peak to 74.6% from 78.4%. Business: Private-sector activity remained in contraction in October as firms cut jobs at the fastest pace in six years, citing weak demand, fuel costs and shipping delays. Weather: A level 4 warning flags severe storms, hail and possible flooding in parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Rugby: The unbeaten Springboks face Italy in Turin on Saturday as their Nations Championship campaign resumes.

Election Count: With about 15% of districts reported, the ANC held a narrow national lead over the DA, while early returns put the DA ahead in Gauteng and the Western Cape and the MK Party in KwaZulu-Natal. Counting in Msunduzi may continue until Friday after recount requests caused delays. The IEC hopes to declare results by the weekend. Coalition Watch: More than 100 councils could be hung, setting up negotiations over who governs as voters demand action on water, electricity, jobs and crime. Trade and Jobs: The US plans to end South Africa’s AGOA eligibility from January 2027. Cosatu warns 3,000 jobs could be lost, rising to 10,000 in a worst-case scenario; President Cyril Ramaphosa says Pretoria will pursue bilateral trade talks with Washington. Service Delivery: Johannesburg’s Pikitup has resumed rubbish collection after a SAMWU strike left waste piling up across the city.

Local Elections: More than 12 million South Africans had voted by 5pm on Wednesday, with Gauteng recording the highest turnout. The IEC reported a largely smooth process, despite isolated delays, and said voters in queues by 9pm would be allowed to cast their ballots. The vote is a major test for the ANC, amid frustration over water, power, crime and other failing services, and could bring more coalition-run councils. Trade: The United States plans to end South Africa’s duty-free AGOA access from January 2027. Agriculture and automotive exporters face potential job losses, though the government says the move does not end trade with the US and is pledging support for affected businesses. Water and livelihoods: Eastern Cape villagers say the polluted Kat River is vital for drinking, farming, food and cultural practices; residents report worsening sewage contamination over the past two decades.

Local Elections: South Africans are voting in municipal elections as anger over corruption, crime and failing water and electricity services threatens further losses for the ANC. More than 29 million people are registered, and the result could leave major cities under coalition rule. Johannesburg is a key battleground after years of mayoral turnover and worsening services. Cape Town Services: Gugulethu hostel residents say overflowing sewage, broken toilets and leaking roofs have gone unresolved for years; the City says some repairs are under way, with wider upgrades dependent on funding. US Trade: Washington plans to end South Africa’s AGOA benefits from January 2027. Western Cape exporters warn that more than 47,000 jobs are at risk, while the government says it will support affected industries and pursue new trade arrangements. Election Rules: The IEC says stations opened smoothly and has reminded parties that campaigning is prohibited within voting-station boundaries.

Local Elections: South Africans head to the polls on Wednesday in a fiercely contested municipal vote, with the IEC reporting 1.43 million special votes and warning of misinformation and election disruptions. Political Violence: MK Party organiser Lastborn Shazi was shot dead in KwaZulu-Natal while helping coordinate the campaign, intensifying concerns ahead of voting. US Trade: Washington’s planned removal of South Africa from AGOA from January 2027 puts duty-free access at risk for about $1.7 billion in exports. Unions warn thousands of jobs could be affected, while exporters face higher tariffs and seek renewed talks. Johannesburg Finances: Mayor Dada Morero signed a R10.3-billion wage agreement with Samwu on the eve of the election, despite Treasury’s earlier warning about its impact on the city’s finances. Film Ban: South Africa’s Film and Publication Board has banned the screening and distribution of an antisemitic film that denies the Holocaust and promotes conspiracy claims about Jews.

US Trade: Washington plans to end South Africa’s AGOA duty-free access from January 2027, putting exporters at risk. Pretoria says the US raised new issues beyond trade talks and will support affected businesses while seeking other markets. Local Elections: Special voting is under way ahead of Wednesday’s municipal polls, but ballot delays left 217 Cape Town stations opening late on Monday. The IEC says about 780,000 people voted on the first day. Water Crisis: The SA Human Rights Commission says Gauteng’s ageing infrastructure, water losses and failing wastewater systems demand measurable action, not more meetings. Johannesburg: Authorities are investigating the deaths of 20 birds at Zoo Lake amid concerns about botulism and possible sewage contamination; neither cause has been confirmed. Cricket: President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the Proteas after their 2-1 Test series win over Australia, which lifted South Africa to No. 1 in the world rankings.

Trade: Washington plans to remove South Africa from AGOA duty-free access from 1 January 2027, putting about $1.7 billion in annual exports at risk. Pretoria says it is assessing the decision. Local Elections: More than 780,000 people cast special votes on Monday, but 217 Cape Town stations opened late after ballot delays. Voters head to the polls on Wednesday amid concerns over water, jobs and crime. Water Crisis: Johannesburg is working to restore supplies after outages lasting up to 10 days, with aging pipes and leaks adding pressure ahead of the vote. Farm Attack: Five suspects have been arrested after farmer Donovan Marx was shot and tortured in a North West robbery; police say he is recovering in hospital. Business: New vehicle sales rose 10.4% in October year on year, with electric and hybrid models gaining ground. Rugby: Salmaan Moerat returns as the Springboks name a strong side to face Italy on Saturday.

Local Elections: Special voting began Monday, with 2.65 million South Africans approved to cast ballots ahead of Wednesday’s municipal elections. Voters are weighing water, electricity, jobs and crime as a splintered electorate raises the prospect of coalition battles in major cities. Municipal Services: The eight metros lost R27.17 billion through water and electricity inefficiencies, while communities face outages and deteriorating infrastructure. Johannesburg’s mayoral hopefuls are pitching financial discipline and repairs as residents demand basic services. Cape Town Safety: Taxi violence continues to disrupt commuters, prompting calls for stronger police action and raising fears that some residents may struggle to reach polling stations. Cricket: South Africa beat Australia 2-1 in the Test series, sealing a 176-run win in Cape Town and reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking.

Election Countdown: More than 2.6 million South Africans are approved for special votes on Monday and Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s local polls, with 127,000 IEC officials deployed. Severe Weather: SAWS warns of thunderstorms, hail and possible flooding across six provinces on Monday, with risks to infrastructure and settlements. Proteas Triumph: South Africa beat Australia by 176 runs in Cape Town to seal the series 2–1; Simon Harmer’s six-wicket haul helped the side reclaim the No. 1 Test ranking and boost its World Test Championship hopes. Voter Safety: Deadly taxi violence in Cape Town has disrupted services and raised fears for commuters ahead of the election. Housing Ruling: The Western Cape High Court ordered Cape Town to restore Gate 7 residents’ possession of their site and allowed them to rebuild structures demolished last month.