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How ANC has failed South Africa for 30-years

The African National Congress (ANC) has been the ruling party in South Africa for the past 30 years, but its leadership and policies have come under increasing scrutiny and criticism. As the upcoming elections in South Africa loom, the ANC finds itself facing a crisis of confidence among its traditional supporters. From allegations of corruption and mismanagement to a lack of progress in addressing key issues such as poverty and inequality, many believe that the ANC has failed to deliver on its promises to the South African people.

Decades after Nelson Mandela led the fight for democracy and equality, the people of Soweto are feeling let down by the ANC. Unemployment, corruption, and endemic poverty have plagued the township, despite years of promises and pledges from the ruling party.

Itumuleng Moloi, a 43-year-old unemployed woman, symbolizes the growing sentiment of hopelessness among voters. Having previously supported the ANC, she now plans to cast her vote for one of the opposition parties. Similarly, Thabo Mbatha, a 48-year-old man, is turning towards the Democratic Alliance in search of a better future.

How ANC has failed South Africa for 30-years
Nelson Mandela led the ANC to power 30 years ago CREDIT: GREG MARINOVICH

The party that once embodied the hopes and aspirations of a nation is now struggling to maintain its grip on power. The legacy of Mandela still looms large in Soweto, but the failures of the ANC have eroded the trust and confidence of the people.

Thembikosi Ziqubu, a mobile phone accessories seller, paused and glanced up at an election poster featuring the disgraced former president Jacob Zuma when asked who he would vote for. Zuma, who held the presidency from 2009 to 2018 and was later ousted due to corruption allegations, has left the ANC and formed his own party.

Despite the allegations against Zuma, Mr Ziqubu seemed unfazed, stating that all politicians are the same. With South Africa gearing up for what are being labelled as the most crucial elections in three decades on May 29, there is a palpable sense of change in the air.

The ANC, in power since 1994, is expected to face a significant challenge and possibly lose its majority for the first time. The country’s population, particularly the youth, is growing increasingly impatient with the government’s failure to address issues such as high unemployment rates, frequent power outages, deteriorating infrastructure, a struggling economy, and widespread corruption and crime.

How ANC has failed South Africa for 30-years
Black unemployment rates remain higher than for other races

As the nation celebrates the anniversary of its democracy, political analyst Pearl Mncube warns against romanticizing the past and urges the government to be held accountable for its current shortcomings. The upcoming elections will determine the future direction of South Africa, with citizens demanding change and meaningful progress.

The ANC, once enjoying a lengthy honeymoon period after coming into power in 1994, saw a decline in popularity with the election of Mr Zuma in 2008.

Despite overseeing a period of economic growth and improvements in access to basic necessities during its initial years in office, the party faced a major setback with the global financial crisis and the emergence of state capture under Mr Zuma.

His tenure was marked by widespread corruption and blatant looting of government resources, leading to his eventual removal from office in 2018 and subsequent imprisonment for contempt.

Although his successor, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has attempted to clean house and enact reforms, the ANC’s vote share has continued to decline over the years, falling to 58 per cent in the 2019 elections.

How ANC has failed South Africa for 30-years
Unemployed men line a street in Cape Town, hoping for some casual work CREDIT: NIC BOTHMA/REUTERS

With analysts predicting further decreases in support for the party in the upcoming elections, there is uncertainty about the ANC’s future prospects as it faces growing public disillusionment and challenges to its once dominant position in South African politics.

With the upcoming election looming, the disappointment and disillusionment with the ruling ANC in South Africa is palpable. Barney Mthombothi, a prominent political columnist, expresses the sentiments of many when he talks about the ANC being ingrained in people’s DNA, only to have their hopes dashed by the party’s failures.

The high unemployment rates, especially among the black population, are a major point of contention against the ANC. With 32 percent of adults out of work and youth unemployment at three in five, the economic disparities in the country are stark.

The Democratic Alliance, the leading opposition party, labels the unemployment crisis as the ANC’s “original sin” and calls it a “crime against the people of South Africa.” In areas like Soweto, the impact of unemployment is evident, with clean streets juxtaposed against a backdrop of jobless individuals struggling to make ends meet.

How ANC has failed South Africa for 30-years
ANC’s vote share has fallen over time

Mr. Ziqubu’s story is just one of many, showcasing the harsh realities faced by those trying to survive in a country plagued by inequality and economic challenges. As the country heads towards the election, many are hoping for a turning point that will hold the ANC accountable and pave the way for much-needed change and improvement in the lives of its citizens.

Mr Mbatha’s desperate plea for work reflects the harsh economic realities facing many South Africans, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing power shortages.

The government’s failure to address infrastructure issues, such as the crumbling power stations, has only exacerbated the country’s woes.

The pervasive sense of mistrust toward the ruling ANC, coupled with rising crime rates and crumbling public services, has pushed many disillusioned voters towards more radical political movements like the EFF and uMkhonto weSizwe.

How ANC has failed South Africa for 30-years
Cyril Ramaphosa is struggling to arrest the decline in support for the ANC CREDIT: LEON SADIKI/BLOOMBERG

These groups advocate for radical economic policies, such as nationalizing industries and redistributing wealth, in an effort to address the deep-rooted inequalities that persist in post-apartheid South Africa. As the country grapples with these challenges, it is clear that a new approach is needed to uplift the most vulnerable members of society and create a more equitable future for all South Africans.

The leader’s bold declaration of empowerment and reclaiming of their country has resonated with supporters, particularly in areas where the ruling party, the ANC, may face competition.

With predictions pointing towards potential key votes being taken away from the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, the upcoming election is shaping up to be highly competitive.

As former President Thabo Mbeki attempts to garner support and rally voters in Soweto, he acknowledges the concerns and dissatisfaction expressed by the people. The ANC’s track record of achievements is being highlighted in contrast to the growing discontent among the populace.

How ANC has failed South Africa for 30-years
South Africa annual per capita personal income by race (in 2000 Rands)

Should the ANC fall below the 50 percent threshold, negotiations for a coalition government will ensue, with smaller parties potentially playing a significant role in shaping the power-sharing dynamics.

The outcome of the election and the subsequent coalition-building process will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future direction of the country.

The Democratic Alliance is leading a grand coalition of smaller parties in hopes of ousting the ruling ANC, but the ANC may be able to split them off with promises of power-sharing.

The Inkatha Freedom Party, with its base in KwaZulu-Natal, is seen as a potential kingmaker in this scenario. If the deficit is larger, the ANC will have to make tough decisions about aligning with larger parties.

How ANC has failed South Africa for 30-years
Democratic Alliance supporters in Johannesburg protesting against power rationing CREDIT: GALLO IMAGES

Joining forces with the radical EFF could unsettle some of the ANC’s more conservative members and create panic among investors. Aligning with former president Zuma, who was ousted by the party, might prove to be impossible.

Many in the ANC view the Democratic Alliance as too Right-wing and white to collaborate with. Despite this, the ANC is likely to remain the dominant force in South African politics, but party leaders may view not retaining complete power as a failure.

In such a situation, President Ramaphosa’s leadership could be at risk. There is speculation that a split within the ANC could occur if they fail to secure more than 50% of the vote, particularly regarding the decision of which coalition partner to align with.

Ultimately, power seems to be the only factor holding the ANC together, and the loss of it could lead to internal splintering.

How ANC has failed South Africa for 30-years
The ANC launches its manifesto in KwaZulu-Natal. REUTERS/Rogan Ward

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