QONCE - South Africa's political landscape has changed dramatically since the dawn of democracy.
Once the country's dominant political force, the ANC has steadily lost support in successive elections.
Even the Eastern Cape, the cradle of icons like Madiba, is feeling the change.
In the Buffalo City Metro, the United Democratic Movement has gone from holding just one seat in 2021 to 19 in the metro council in 2026, making it the official opposition.
READ | ANC vows immediate action after 'catastrophic' performance
The former liberation movement carried the hopes and dreams of many political leaders, but frustration and disappointment have seen many of them jump ship to join other parties.
In the meantime, political parties are handling coalition talks at a national level.
And on the ground, citizens can only hope that these decisions will finally bring good governance and adequate service delivery.
eNCA's Ronald Masinda filed this report.