South Africans are increasingly expressing frustration with rampant corruption and poor public services.
The ANC has stood by President Jacob Zuma despite a series of scandals, but even some within the party admit he could be a liability.
South Africa's Zuma could face corruption charges after court ruling
Almost every local government seat is up for grabs, including urban powerhouses such as Johannesburg as well as tiny municipalities.
More than 26 million people were registered to vote, and more than 61,000 competed for seats.
South Africans on Instagram posted pictures of their inked thumbs to show they cast their vote Wednesday.
Both parties have been accused of trying to use Mandela's legacy to their advantage in the campaign.
In a colorful rally in Soweto, once an absolute lock-in for the ANC, the charismatic opposition leader Mmusi Maimane tapped into his humble roots there.
"The ANC has turned its back on everything Nelson Mandela fought for," said Maimane, a former pastor who claimed the Democratic Alliance represents Mandela's nonracial vision for South Africa better than the ANC.
The opposition's strategy has sparked fury among the ANC leadership and supporters. Mandela was, after all, the leader of the ANC and the country's first democratically elected president.
The Democratic Alliance started as a liberal white party opposing the apartheid regime from within the racist system but has expanded its support among black South Africans.
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