As it turns 113, what direction will South Africa’s ANC take next?
Jan 8, 2025
auto_awesome
Jamie Mighti, a South African political commentator, discusses the African National Congress (ANC) as it celebrates its 113th anniversary. He highlights the party's recent electoral challenges and loss of parliamentary majority, emphasizing failures in job creation, power supply, and water access. With President Cyril Ramaphosa at the helm, the ANC reflects on its past while contemplating necessary reforms to regain public trust. Mighti questions if the historic party is still relevant in today’s political landscape.
The ANC's declining electoral support below 50% reflects its failure to adapt to significant socio-political changes and governance challenges.
Celebrating its legacy, the ANC must confront issues like corruption and inequality to regain public trust and enhance service delivery.
Deep dives
Exploitation in the Wellness Industry
The wellness industry, particularly yoga, has the potential to exploit individuals seeking spiritual growth. A woman's experience highlights how a seemingly safe and welcoming environment can lead to manipulation and control. Many find themselves trapped, devoid of personal belongings like passports and phones, making it impossible to leave the situation. This gradual infiltration into their lives can occur so subtly that victims often fail to recognize the dangers until it's too late.
Challenges Facing the ANC
The African National Congress (ANC) is at a pivotal point due to its declining electoral performance and the challenges of governance in South Africa. For the first time since its establishment, the ANC dropped below 50% in election support, prompting concerns about its future direction. The coalition with the Democratic Alliance reflects a need for recalibration in strategy to address emerging political threats. Analysts suggest that the party may have become complacent, failing to recognize and adapt to significant socio-political changes.
Legacy and Future of the ANC
The ANC's legacy is mixed, celebrating early achievements in democratic governance while grappling with ongoing issues like corruption and service delivery. Initial progress included extensive electrification programs and increased access to education, contributing to a growing black middle class. However, corruption within the party and other sectors has undermined public trust and hindered essential services. The conversation surrounding the ANC now pivots on its ability to execute substantial reforms necessary for addressing entrenched inequalities and social discontent.
“The African National Congress right now is at a crossroads and that crossroads is as a result of one, the electoral performance in 2024 and two, some of the challenges that the country is facing” – Jamie Mighti, South African political commentator
Today South Africa’s biggest political party, the African National Congress (ANC), is celebrating its 113th birthday.
It comes nearly a year after it lost its parliamentary majority, for the first time since the end of apartheid.
Its poor showing at the May 2024 national election was attributed to several factors including its failure to create enough jobs, provide uninterrupted electricity and clean water.
As the ANC’s president Cyril Ramaphosa leads week-long celebrations, the party will be reflecting on its past successes and failures.
So, today Alan Kasujja attempts to understand if Africa’s oldest liberation movement is still fit for purpose.
Guests: ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu and political commentator Jamie Mighti
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode