South Africa's ANC heads for worst poll result since apartheid

FILE PHOTO: A marshal keeps watch during the launch of the African National Congress (ANC) election manifesto at Church Square in Pretoria, South Africa, September 27, 2021. Picture taken September 27, 2021. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo

PRETORIA (Reuters) -South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) on Wednesday was heading for its worst election result since taking power in 1994, taking less than half of votes in local polls a top party official described as a "message to shape up".

With results in from over 80% of more than 23,000 polling stations, the ANC had 46% of the national vote, down from 54% in 2016, itself the worst result yet. Party officials acknowledged public anger over poor services and corruption.