World-in-View: South Africa and the ANC

The African National Congress (ANC) and Its Role in South Africa

Historical Context:
The African National Congress (ANC) is a political party with deep historical significance in South Africa. Founded in 1912, it became the leading force in the struggle against apartheid—a system of institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination that was enforced from 1948 until the early 1990s. Under the leadership of figures like Nelson Mandela, the ANC helped dismantle apartheid, and in 1994, South Africa held its first democratic elections, where the ANC won a majority and Mandela became the first black President.

Since then, the ANC has dominated South African politics, winning the majority in every national election. However, its popularity has been waning due to various factors, including economic challenges, corruption, internal divisions, and failures in governance. This declining support is a critical backdrop to understanding the current situation.

South Africa’s Political Landscape

Government Structure:
South Africa is a constitutional democracy with a three-tier system of government: national, provincial, and local. There are nine provinces, each with its own government, similar to U.S. states. Political parties like the ANC operate at all levels, with structures like the Provincial Executive Committees (PECs) managing the party’s affairs in each province.

Recent Electoral Performance:
In the national and provincial elections held on May 29, 2024, the ANC suffered significant losses in two key provinces: KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng.

• KwaZulu-Natal (KZN): Known for its vibrant Zulu culture and significant historical importance, KZN was once a stronghold of ANC support. The dramatic drop to just 17% of the vote reflects a massive loss of confidence, particularly concerning given that KZN is the home province of former President Jacob Zuma, who retains substantial grassroots support despite his controversial tenure.
• Gauteng: As the economic powerhouse of South Africa, housing both Johannesburg and Pretoria, Gauteng is critical for any political party’s success. The ANC’s drop to 35% signals serious trouble, as this province is central to national economic stability and political influence.

The ANC’s Internal Deliberations

National Executive Committee (NEC):
The NEC is the ANC’s highest decision-making body between national conferences. It’s currently deliberating the future of the PECs in KZN and Gauteng due to the poor election results. The key issues being debated are:

1. Disbandment of PECs: This would involve removing the current leadership in these provinces and starting anew. This drastic measure is supported by some who believe that new leadership could revitalize the party. However, others worry it could create instability and alienate local supporters.
2. Reinforcement of PECs: This option involves keeping the current PECs but adding stronger leaders or providing more resources to help them perform better. This approach is seen as a middle ground, aiming to strengthen the party without creating further divisions.
3. Maintaining the Status Quo: Some argue for minimal changes, believing that radical shifts could do more harm than good.

Key Figures and Their Positions:

• Paul Mashatile (Deputy President) and Nomvula Mokonyane (Deputy Secretary-General) prefer reinforcing the existing structures rather than disbanding them, aiming for stability.
• Fikile Mbalula (Secretary-General) and Cyril Ramaphosa (President) have emphasized the importance of careful deliberation, indicating that no decisions will be rushed.

Public Sentiment and Challenges

Public Discontent:
The ANC’s declining support reflects widespread public discontent with the party’s performance. South Africa faces several significant challenges:

1. Economic Struggles: The country has high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth, along with slow economic growth. This has led to frustration among citizens who feel that the ANC has not delivered on its promises of economic prosperity and job creation.
2. Corruption and Governance Issues: High-profile corruption scandals, particularly during Jacob Zuma’s presidency (2009-2018), have tarnished the ANC’s reputation. Many South Africans are disillusioned with what they see as a lack of accountability and inefficiency within the government.
3. Service Delivery: Issues like frequent power outages (load shedding), poor public services, and inadequate infrastructure have further fueled dissatisfaction. People in KZN and Gauteng, in particular, have been vocal about their frustration with poor service delivery.

Internal Divisions:
The ANC is also grappling with internal factions, which complicate its ability to present a united front and implement effective reforms. These divisions often play out in public, further eroding trust in the party.

Implications for the Future

2026 Local Government Elections:
The decisions made by the NEC regarding the PECs in KZN and Gauteng will be critical for the ANC’s strategy moving forward. The local government elections in 2026 will be a significant test of the party’s ability to recover lost ground. Strengthening the party’s structures and addressing the root causes of public discontent will be essential if the ANC hopes to regain the trust of voters.

Broader Political Dynamics:
The ANC’s struggles have opened the door for opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to gain more support. If the ANC cannot resolve its internal issues and improve governance, it risks losing its dominant position in South African politics—a dramatic shift given its historical significance.

Conclusion

The ANC’s current deliberations on how to handle its poor performance in KZN and Gauteng are part of a larger narrative about its decline in public support and the challenges facing South Africa. The decisions made in these meetings will not only shape the party’s future but could also impact the country’s political and economic landscape in the years to come.