South Africa's ANC Faces Historic Loss and Uncertain Future

South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lost its electoral majority for the first time in three decades, dropping from 57.5% in 2019 to 40.2% in the latest elections. The ANC now faces the challenge of forming a coalition government amid chronic unemployment, degraded public services, and high crime rates. The party lost control of three provinces, including KwaZulu-Natal, where former president Jacob Zuma's new party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), made significant gains. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the voters' message and emphasized the need for political parties to collaborate. The ANC's future coalition choices and internal reforms are critical as it navigates this new political landscape.