South Africans vote on Wednesday after a wave of killings of local officials

South Africans choose their municipal councils on Wednesday. The vote is taking place amid political violence and shaky local finances. According to France 24, the vote is being held on 4 November.

Violence targeting local officials

According to RFI, the country has seen a series of political assassinations this year. The figures differ. The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime counts 43 deaths, while the South African authorities put the number at 20. The same authorities say KwaZulu-Natal is the most volatile region.

According to RFI, these killings often target local officials. The outlet cites corruption, links to criminal networks and internal rivalries.

Struggling municipalities

France 24 focuses on the state of local finances. The outlet says 40% of municipalities are considered to be in difficulty. It cites Port Elizabeth, in the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan area.

A test for the ANC

RFI presents these local elections as a test for the ANC, whose influence is waning. The sources consulted say nothing about the expected results.