By Michael Andisile Mayalo
The recent by-elections across South Africa have underscored a significant political shift, with the African National Congress (ANC) facing a notable decline in support. This decline highlights a crucial juncture for the ANC, suggesting it must reconsider its strategies to regain dominance in the nation's politics.
A key challenge for the ANC is the increasing influence of the DA, leveraging the Government of National Unity (GNU) to expose the ANC’s shortcomings and capitalise on its faltering support.
The ANC’s recent electoral setbacks indicate a turning point in South Africa’s political landscape. Once the uncontested leader of the country, the ANC is now grappling with a decline in authority and a fragmentation of its traditional support base. Meanwhile, the DA has adeptly used the GNU’s governance model to highlight the ANC’s failures and present itself as a more effective alternative.
The GNU’s success has inadvertently provided the DA with a platform to critique the ANC. The DA has been able to contrast the GNU’s cooperative and transparent governance approach with the ANC’s recent challenges, using this contrast to bolster its image by focusing on the issues within the ANC’s administration and contrasting them with the GNU’s successes the DA has strengthened its position as a viable opposition force.
For the ANC to reclaim its position and counter the DA’s growing influence, it must strategically shift away from the GNU’s model and address the criticisms being leveraged against it. This shift involves adopting a more effective governance approach and actively countering the DA’s narrative that portrays the ANC as ineffective and out of touch with voters' needs.
The ANC faces a critical decision as South Africa approaches the local government elections (LGE). It must address the vulnerabilities the DA exposes and develop a strategy that distinguishes itself from the GNU’s model.
The ANC must focus on revitalising its image, addressing core issues that have undermined public trust, and effectively countering the DA’s criticisms.
The ANC’s ability to adapt to these challenges and refocus its strategy will likely determine its future relevance and effectiveness in South African politics. By addressing the criticisms and differentiating itself from the GNU’s governance model, the ANC could potentially restore its electoral strength and regain its position as a leading force in South Africa’s political arena.
Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst and commentator.