South Africa (SA) is entering what researchers describe as its most challenging pre-election period in 30 years ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
The warning comes from the latest Voter Participation Survey by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), which tracks public attitudes to democracy across the country. The study highlights rising frustration, political disengagement, and declining trust in leadership.
“Firstly, the 2026 local government elections are being planned in what we deem to be the most challenging pre-electoral climate observed over the last three decades,” said Dr Ben Roberts, HSRC Research Director for Developmental, Capable and Ethical State. “There are particularly striking levels of pessimism, frustration and disengagement, with quite a clear geographic patterning and disparity to some of the indicators that we have showcased.”
–ChannelAfrica–
