South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) has launched a six-point reform plan aimed at regaining voter support ahead of local government elections later this year. The party, founded by Nelson Mandela, suffered significant losses in the 2024 general elections, losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since the country’s transition to democracy in 1994. This forced the ANC into a coalition government, marking a notable shift in the country’s political landscape.
At a recent ceremony celebrating the party’s 114th birthday, supporters and politicians expressed optimism about the ANC’s chances of recovering from its electoral setbacks. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need for the party to address its poor record on delivering basic services, a critical issue that has contributed to voter dissatisfaction. The ANC’s performance in local elections has consistently been weaker than in national elections, as voters express frustration over daily challenges such as unemployment, corruption, inequality, and crime.
South Africa, the most industrialized nation in Africa, faces significant socio-economic challenges, including a stubbornly high unemployment rate that has remained above 30% since the Covid-19 pandemic. The country also grapples with one of the world’s highest murder rates, with over 60 people killed daily, according to police data. Ramaphosa stressed that the party’s renewal must be both personal and organizational, with each member demonstrating the values of the movement in their daily conduct.
The reform blueprint targets critical issues such as joblessness, corruption, inequality, and crime, which are paramount concerns for citizens. The ANC won 40% of votes in the 2024 national elections, a significant decline from the 57.5% it secured in 2019. The party also suffered substantial losses in the 2021 municipal elections, with its support dipping below half of ballots cast nationally for the first time in the democratic era. As the ANC prepares to face municipal elections later this year, the party’s ability to implement its reform plan and regain voter trust will be closely watched. The upcoming elections will serve as a crucial test of the ANC’s standing and its capacity to address the pressing concerns of South African citizens.
