Marriage of inconvenience: ANC is compromised in the government of national unity, says the writer.
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By Michael Andisile Mayalo
The ANC finds itself at a critical juncture in its political journey. The coalition government, officially known as the Government of National Unity (GNU), has emerged as a response to growing political fragmentation and voter dissatisfaction.
However, this plan may be the very thing that hinders the ANC’s ability to reconnect with its core supporters. Given recent electoral setbacks and declining public trust, the ANC must reevaluate and ultimately collapse the GNU strategy to restore its credibility and reclaim its position as the dominant force in South African politics. The inception of the GNU was ostensibly a means to foster stability in a diverse and divided political landscape.
While the intention behind this coalition was noble, the reality has proven much more complex. The ANC, once a beacon of hope and unity in the fight against apartheid, has seen its influence wane as public confidence dwindles. Voter apathy, coupled with a surge in support for opposition parties, particularly the EFF and the DA, underscores the urgent need for a recalibration of the ANC’s approach to governance.
One of the most pressing issues facing the ANC is the perception that it has become a party of compromises, diluting its core principles in pursuing power-sharing agreements. The GNU has inadvertently reinforced the narrative that the ANC prioritises political expediency over the needs of its constituents. This is particularly disheartening for the party's traditional base—working-class South Africans who feel neglected by a government that seems more focused on maintaining alliances than addressing pressing socio-economic challenges.
To regain voter support, the ANC must return to its roots, embracing the ideals that once galvanised millions in the struggle for freedom and equality. This involves a bold departure from the GNU model, allowing the party to take decisive action on poverty alleviation, unemployment, and corruption. By adopting a more assertive stance, the ANC can reestablish itself as a party that genuinely represents its voters' interests rather than one beholden to coalition partners.
The collapse of the GNU would signal a commitment to accountability and transparency -qualities that have been sorely lacking in recent years. The ANC has been plagued by scandals and allegations of corruption, eroding public trust. A decisive break from the GNU could enable the ANC to undertake a comprehensive internal cleansing, demonstrating to voters that it is serious about reform. This is critical for a party that has long positioned itself as the custodian of the legacy of Nelson Mandela and other liberation heroes.
The GNU could plunge the country back into political instability, but this fear overlooks the potential for renewal. A single-party government could provide the ANC with the mandate to implement its policies without the cumbersome negotiations often accompanying coalition governance.
This would also enable the party to streamline decision-making processes and respond more effectively to the populace's needs. The ANC must actively engage with its base to understand their concerns and aspirations. Town hall meetings, community forums, and grassroots campaigns could facilitate a dialogue that has been missing under the GNU. This engagement will rebuild trust and empower voters, reminding them that their voices matter in shaping the nation's future.
The ANC must reconnect with the very communities that once looked to it for leadership and direction. The party must also focus on a clear and coherent policy agenda that resonates with South Africans. Issues such as land reform, education, and healthcare should be at the forefront of its platform, coupled with actionable plans to address these challenges.
By presenting a vision that is not just aspirational but also practical, the ANC can rekindle hope and inspire confidence among voters disillusioned by political promises that have gone unfulfilled. Ultimately, the ANC's survival hinges on its ability to adapt and respond to the realities of a changing political landscape. The GNU may have served its purpose in a crisis, but clinging to it now would only further alienate voters. The ANC must embrace a bold new direction, one that is grounded in accountability, community engagement, and a commitment to the principles of social justice that once defined it. If the ANC is serious about regaining the trust and support of its electorate, it must act decisively to collapse the GNU.
This move would demonstrate a commitment to reform and reinvigorate the party's connection with its historical roots and foundational mission. The path forward is fraught with challenges, but it is also ripe with opportunity for a renewed ANC to reclaim its legacy and its rightful place in the hearts of South Africans. Michael Mayalo is an independent writer, analyst and commentator.