Johannesburg, South Africa – South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) is staring down the barrel of a potential political earthquake. A new survey suggests the party is likely to lose its parliamentary majority for the first time since Nelson Mandela led it to power in the wake of apartheid 30 years ago.
The Brenthurst Foundation and SABI Strategy Group poll, conducted in February, shows the ANC’s support dwindling to a mere 39%, a significant drop from 41% in October 2023. This decline could force the party, once a symbol of liberation, into a coalition government with smaller parties.
The ANC’s waning popularity stems from a multitude of woes plaguing the nation. Years of economic stagnation, rising unemployment, and a string of corruption scandals involving top officials have eroded public trust. President Cyril Ramaphosa, who took over from scandal-ridden Jacob Zuma in 2018, has vowed to clean house and revive the economy, but progress has been slow. The near-constant power cuts experienced by South Africans serve as a stark reminder of the ANC’s shortcomings in service delivery.
Despite Ramaphosa’s assurances that a decisive victory would allow the ANC to tackle these challenges, the survey suggests voters are open to a change in leadership. Over 75% of respondents expressed acceptance of a coalition government.
The poll also sheds light on the evolving political landscape. The Democratic Alliance, the main opposition party, appears to be gaining traction, with support increasing to 27% from 23% in October. Meanwhile, the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) saw their support drop from 17% to 10%. A new player, the uMkhonto weSizwe party, which received the backing of former President Zuma, garnered 13% in the survey.