South Africa is witnessing a surge in political apathy, marked by declining voter turnout despite competitive elections and urgent national needs. Corruption scandals across major parties are eroding public trust, potentially undermining government legitimacy. This trend may empower private sectors, NGOs, and other groups to fill the void left by a disengaged state.
Public interest in South African politics has been diminishing for years, with real voter turnout—the proportion of eligible voters who actually cast ballots—falling in successive elections. Despite a more competitive landscape since 1999, when the African National Congress (ANC) faced little opposition, today's unpredictable coalitions and pressing issues, such as Johannesburg's viability, have not reversed the trend. Evidence points to further declines in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Major parties face credibility crises. The ANC remains synonymous with corruption, as figures like David Mahlobo and Malusi Gigaba continue to represent it, and Tshwane's deputy mayor Eugene Modise is linked to payments from a city-contracted security firm. President Cyril Ramaphosa's Phala Phala scandal lingers, with a pending Constitutional Court judgment on Parliament's handling of an independent panel's recommendations. The uMkhonto weSizwe party is mired in internal conflicts, including former MP Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla's alleged involvement in recruiting family members to fight in Ukraine for Russia. The Economic Freedom Fighters have lost momentum, while the Democratic Alliance grapples with leader John Steenhuisen's reported misuse of a party credit card and disputes over Cabinet member Dion George's removal.
Racial voter differentials persist: in the last national election, 73% of white voters participated compared to 55% of black voters. As disillusionment grows, fewer citizens see viable options, weakening government authority. This vacuum allows private companies to provide services like electricity and logistics, NGOs and community groups to manage facilities, and vigilante outfits to handle local security. Disturbingly, corrupt religious leaders such as Shepherd Bushiri, who fled to Malawi after stealing millions, Timothy Omotoso, convicted of rape and abuse, and Alph Lukau, known for false resurrection claims, gain influence by offering hope amid state failures. A weaker government, analysts note, disproportionately harms the poor.