The African National Congress (ANC) is on a “downward trajectory” due to internal power struggles that overshadow the needs of citizens. This is according to political analyst Hlumelo Xaba.
He was speaking to Salaamedia as the party holds its fifth National General Council (NGC) in Boksburg this week. The four-day event, which began on Monday, allows the party to analyse its challenges.
Xaba believes the ANC’s leadership is aware of its problems but fails to act. “What is quite concerning for me is the fact that the ANC does know where their challenges are,” he said. “However, what we should be asking is, what have they done in order for them to ameliorate that situation?”
He identified internal sectionalism as the main cause of the party’s paralysis. Xaba argues that the focus has shifted away from public service. Instead, factions are competing for access to state resources.
“What’s currently happening internally within the ANC is that there is a huge contest between certain groupings that want to actually get their hands into the resource machinery of the state without even having the interest of the livelihoods of South Africans,” Xaba stated.
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Public distrust and poor performance
According to Xaba, the party’s poor showing in the 2024 elections was predictable. He noted that President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the impact of the MK Party on their electoral performance. However, Xaba said the issues run deeper.
He pointed to “a huge public distrust and also voter apathy towards the ANC”. He attributes this to a “lack of service delivery, as well as some of the social impacts of inequality and unemployment” since 1994.
The NGC is taking place as the ANC grapples with its new role in a Government of National Unity (GNU). On Monday, President Ramaphosa defended this decision, telling delegates it was necessary for national stability. Yet, the move remains a point of contention within the party.
Image: ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and President Cyril Ramaphosa at Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni. Credit: Nigel Sibanda/The Citizen
