The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s oldest political party, is undergoing a renewal process amidst significant challenges. Gwede Mantashe, the ANC’s national chairperson, recently affirmed that the party’s efforts to rebuild are progressing despite the severe setback of losing its parliamentary majority in the May 2024 general elections.
This marked the first time since the advent of democracy that the ANC failed to secure more than 50% of the vote, a striking defeat that reflected widespread public discontent with its governance.
The Historic Fall of the ANC
The ANC’s decline to just 40% of the vote, as reported by IOL, shocked the nation. Although pre-election polls had forecast a drop below 50%, the dramatic fall exceeded expectations. Years of corruption scandals, mismanagement of state-owned enterprises, an energy crisis, and deteriorating public services had eroded trust in the party.
Once a symbol of liberation and hope, the ANC was forced into an unprecedented coalition government, a situation unimaginable during its peak years of dominance.
Gwede Mantashe
Renewal as a Process
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika on Monday, Mantashe emphasized that the ANC’s renewal is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. He explained that the party is rebuilding step by step, noting progress such as the revitalization of its leagues, which were previously dysfunctional.
“When we adopted this theme of renewal, all our leagues were not functioning. Today, all our leagues are in good standing. That is the process of renewal. Many other things are going to happen step by step,” said Mantashe.
Mantashe acknowledged the setbacks of the 2024 elections, noting the challenges of governing without a majority. “We had to use our brain quicker to ensure governance and stability while protecting state power without a majority,” he said.
Challenges of Coalition Governance
The ANC’s coalition government was born out of necessity rather than choice. According to Mantashe, the party prioritized stability and governance to prevent the chaos that can arise when a dominant political force loses power.
“In many countries, if the ruling party loses power, there is war and instability. We had to take responsibility to ensure there is stability and governance,” Mantashe explained.
The Government of National Unity (GNU) has drawn criticism, but Mantashe defended its formation as a pragmatic response to the ANC’s electoral loss.
President Ramaphosa on Renewal and Governance
During the ANC’s 113th-anniversary celebration in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the party’s commitment to renewal. In his January 8 statement, Ramaphosa linked the renewal of the ANC to improving governance and addressing socio-economic challenges.
“Renewal is about fixing the ANC. It is as much about improving the quality of governance, service delivery, and fast-tracking socio-economic transformation,” said Ramaphosa. He highlighted initiatives such as the ANC foundational course, which aims to instill ethics and integrity among members and leaders.
The president’s statements received mixed reactions from South Africans and political commentators. Many remain skeptical about whether the ANC can truly reform itself and deliver on its promises.
Strains Within the Tripartite Alliance
The anniversary celebrations also revealed tensions within the ANC’s tripartite alliance with the South African Communist Party (SACP) and Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).
SACP deputy national chairperson Thulas Nxesi faced jeers and boos during his speech, where he defended the party’s decision to contest elections. Nxesi emphasized that the decision was made collectively by the SACP leadership, rather than solely by its general secretary, Solly Mapaila.
The incident highlighted ongoing rifts between the alliance partners, despite attempts to present a united front.
The Road Ahead for the ANC
The ANC’s renewal process is crucial for its survival as a political force. The 2024 election loss served as a wake-up call, pushing the party to reassess its approach to governance and reconnect with its base.
As Mantashe and Ramaphosa emphasized, renewal involves rebuilding the ANC’s structures, fostering ethical leadership, and addressing South Africa’s pressing socio-economic challenges. However, critics remain unconvinced, citing years of unfulfilled promises and entrenched issues within the party.
Conclusion
The ANC’s journey of renewal is fraught with challenges, but it is also an opportunity for the party to reinvent itself. By focusing on ethical governance, rebuilding public trust, and addressing socio-economic issues, the ANC hopes to regain its standing as a symbol of hope and liberation. Whether it succeeds will depend on its ability to follow through on its promises and adapt to the changing political landscape.
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