South Africa’s governing African National Congress (ANC) has launched its manifesto ahead of the May elections, as polls suggest the party’s share of the vote could fall below 50% for the first time. President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed thousands of supporters at a rally in KwaZulu-Natal province, a key battleground in the upcoming elections.
Dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, public services, and corruption has eroded ANC support. The party, once led by Nelson Mandela during the struggle against apartheid, has been the dominant force in South African politics for the past three decades. However, issues such as high unemployment, frequent power cuts, and rising crime rates have led some voters to turn away from the ANC.
The ANC now faces challenges from both the right and the left. The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), represents the right-leaning faction, while the more radical left is represented by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The province of KwaZulu-Natal, where the ANC launched its manifesto, is also the home of former President Jacob Zuma, who has recently distanced himself from the party and thrown his support behind a new formation called uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK).
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the problems faced by his party in his speech, but also emphasized the progress that South Africa has made over the past three decades. He highlighted improvements in education, empowerment, and healthcare since the end of apartheid. However, he also warned against threats to the country’s progress and called on the people to defend their hard-won freedom.
The ANC’s manifesto promises to create 2.5 million work opportunities, boost investment, support the private sector, and eradicate corruption. However, it remains to be seen if these promises will be enough to regain the trust of disillusioned voters.
Meanwhile, the DA, under the leadership of John Steenhuisen, has presented itself as the solution to South Africa’s current crisis. Their manifesto focuses on creating two million new jobs, ending power cuts, and reducing violent crime. The party advocates for a more liberal economic approach, including privatization, particularly in the energy sector.
On the other end of the political spectrum, the EFF accuses the ANC of failing to address the economic inequalities inherited from apartheid. Their manifesto calls for expropriation of land without compensation and the nationalization of mines, banks, and other strategic sectors of the economy. The EFF believes that redistributing wealth in this way will benefit the majority of the population.
The MK, the new party supported by former President Jacob Zuma, has yet to release its manifesto. However, Zuma has publicly criticized the ANC for deviating from its original principles and has pledged to “rescue” the party.
With over 300 parties registered with the electoral commission, the upcoming election promises to be a fiercely contested competition. If the ANC’s support does fall below 50%, South Africa could be facing the possibility of a coalition government for the first time since the end of apartheid.
As the campaigning intensifies in the months leading up to the May elections, South African voters will have to carefully consider the various promises and visions put forth by the different political parties. The outcome of the election will ultimately shape the country’s future trajectory.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Nardus Engelbrecht
