South Africans began voting Wednesday in municipal elections that could lead to fresh losses for the African National Congress (ANC).

The party of Nelson Mandela , which has led the country since the end of apartheid , has seen its popularity fall over the past decade.

In the previous local elections in 2021, it won less than 50% of the vote for the first time, and polls suggest it could drop below 40% this time.

Wednesday's vote is taking place amid rising frustration over failing public services, including unreliable water and electricity supplies, high crime rates , unemployment, and affordable housing.…