The ANC’s top seven leadership elected at the party’s 55th elective conference held in Nasrec, Johannesburg on December 16, 2022. High-profile scandals have understandably eroded public trust and exposed systemic challenges in the former liberation movement, says the writer. Picture: Independent Archives.
Dr. Reneva Fourie
WHEN examining the political landscape in South Africa, voters find themselves with limited options.
This lack of choice partly explains why voter turnout in the May general election was only 58 per cent, with the African National Congress (ANC) securing just 40 per cent of the votes – still nearly 20 per cent more than its nearest competitor. Hope is starting to wane among the nostalgic few who once believed in the ANC’s potential to be restored to its former glory.
It is undeniable that the ANC was a powerful force once, and its legacy continues to hold significant sway on the global stage. The party’s historical contribution to South Africa’s liberation is closely linked to the outstanding leadership it had fostered.
This was evident in the heartfelt tributes paid to recently departed stalwarts like Pravin Gordhan, Tito Mboweni, and Membathisi Mdladlana. The remarkable qualities of leaders from the pre-1990 era were also highlighted during the commemoration of Albertina Sisulu’s birthday on October 21.
Ma Sisulu, born Nontsikelelo (Ntsiki) Thethiwe, epitomised the qualities that inspired past trust in South Africa’s dominant liberation movement. Her character exuded transparency, reliability, consistency and integrity. Furthermore, she forged meaningful relationships with those she encountered, listened attentively, appreciated the contributions of others and subjected herself to the will of the collective. She did not mind demonstrating her vulnerability when empathising with those who experienced loss and fear.
Having been a founder member of significant organisations like the Federation of South African Women and the United Democratic Front and a leader in the ANC and the ANC Women’s League, her illustrious history demonstrated the enormous credibility she commanded. This arduous commitment to fighting injustice and her intuitive ability to protect while simultaneously empowering led to her being called the ‘mother of the nation’.
Given the ANC’s rich history and outstanding role models, it is hard to comprehend the dire state that it now finds itself in. The organisation is struggling to rid itself of its tarnished image marked by corruption, incompetence and self-interest. Many perceive it as increasingly out of touch with the daily lives of ordinary South Africans.
While the ANC-led government’s performance might be commendable compared to some other countries, bureaucratic obstacles and limited resources have hindered meaningful progress. Its challenges have understandably led to a decline in public trust, raising worries about the ability to ensure security, promote equitable redistribution, and facilitate development that genuinely reflects and prioritises the people’s needs.
Afrobarometer’s Round 9 survey (2024) found that 70 per cent of South Africans are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working in the country and that 83 per cent felt that the government was going in the wrong direction. Furthermore, 82 per cent said that corruption increased ‘somewhat’ or ‘a lot’ during the year preceding the survey.
The impact of the Government of National Unity (GNU) on restoring public trust in the ANC remains uncertain. While business confidence in South Africa has shown tentative improvement following the establishment of the GNU, there is notable discontent among many regarding the ANC’s decision to form a governing alliance with parties that endorse neoliberal policies. Some observers contend that the ANC has deviated from its founding principles.
In a desperate bid to restore public trust, the ANC has committed to a process of renewal. This initiative aims to revitalise the party, restore its credibility and address the root causes of its declining support. Measures include combating corruption within its ranks and holding members accountable for unethical behaviour by enhancing the effectiveness of its Integrity Committee. Furthermore, the party has attempted to rejuvenate its leadership structure with new appointments to bring fresh ideas and perspectives. Mass-based political education has been instituted to embed its historical values among its members. The party has also recognised the importance of re-engaging civil society organisations and the broader public to rebuild its support base and restore trust.
However, genuine concerns about the sincerity of the renewal efforts remain. High-profile scandals have understandably eroded public trust and exposed systemic challenges. While the party has pledged to tackle corruption, many feel that steps taken against implicated leaders have been insufficient. Furthermore, internal factionalism often distracts from ensuring a coherent vision and meaningful discussions about policy and issues that matter most to constituents.
During challenging times, the ANC can gain valuable insights from the successes of other liberation movements. These movements have successfully reclaimed power in various regions by effectively utilising their historical legacy and strategically adjusting to the evolving political environment.
The ANC’s renewal process hinges on its unwavering commitment to transparent governance. This commitment includes accelerating the prosecution of corrupt politicians and officials. Public access to government data and decision-making processes must be modernised. Furthermore, grassroots participation should be genuinely strengthened by involving local leaders and activists in policy formulation and implementation.
Most importantly, the renewal process must emphasise structural economic transformation aligned with public interests, addressing inequality and promoting job creation. This includes prioritising effective service delivery by increasing public investment in essential areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Success in these areas can create tangible improvements in citizens’ lives and, in turn, enhance the organisation’s credibility.
As we remember Ma Sisulu and prepare to commemorate the birthday of Oliver Tambo, it would be a pity if their sacrifices were in vain. The ANC’s renewal process represents a necessary and hopeful effort to address the party’s decline and regain public trust. For it to succeed, however, it must transcend superficial changes and confront deeper systemic issues. Clear goals, a genuine commitment to tackling corruption, internal unity, effective public engagement, and a pro-poor policy agenda are essential. Without such efforts, the ANC risks further alienation and may find itself increasingly irrelevant in the political landscape it once dominated.
* Dr Reneva Fourie is a policy analyst specialising in governance, development and security.
** The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of The African.
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