Johannesburg, South Africa – In a candid assessment of the African National Congress (ANC)’s electoral decline, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula acknowledged that the party’s drop from 57% to around 40% in the 2024 elections reflects a loss of public trust. In an interview, Mbalula attributed the result to a combination of internal and external factors, including economic challenges, the impacts of COVID-19, and a growing sense of political apathy among voters.
AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@africaheadline.com
“The ANC’s decline is a sign that we need to renew ourselves and reconnect with the people,” Mbalula stated. He highlighted the party’s efforts to reconfigure its internal structures and strengthen grassroots engagement, aiming to restore public confidence and improve governance performance.
In response to the electoral outcome, the ANC has been negotiating a Government of National Unity (GNU) to ensure stability and progress. Mbalula emphasized that collaboration with other political parties is essential, despite the inherent challenges of coalition governance.
“Governing in a coalition is not easy, but it is necessary for the good of the country. We need to work together to address the economic and social challenges South Africa faces,” he said.
Mbalula also addressed tensions in international relations, particularly with the United States under the Trump administration. He criticized what he called “attacks on South Africa’s sovereignty” and stressed the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties.
“U.S. foreign policy under Trump has been challenging, but we will continue to defend our sovereignty and pursue dialogues that benefit the South African people,” he stated.
The ANC’s Secretary-General acknowledged the pressure on the party to tackle the country’s economic difficulties, especially in drafting the upcoming national budget. He emphasized the need to balance the demands of the most vulnerable populations with responsible management of public expenditures.
“The budget is a critical issue. We need to generate revenue efficiently, but without losing sight of the needs of the poor,” Mbalula explained.
Mbalula stressed that rebuilding voter trust is a priority for the ANC. He advocated for continuous dialogue and transparency in governance, asserting that the party must demonstrate tangible improvements in service delivery and economic management.
“We need to listen to the people and show that we are committed to serving them better. The ANC’s renewal is not just about internal changes but about how we connect with the real needs of the population,” he said.
Mbalula believes the ANC must adopt a long-term perspective, learning from historical and contemporary examples of coalition governance to ensure stability and effectiveness in South Africa’s political landscape.
“This is a moment for reflection and action. The ANC has a rich history, but it must also adapt to new times to continue serving the people of South Africa,” he concluded.
Mbalula’s analysis provides a detailed look at the ANC’s current challenges and the strategies the party is adopting to renew itself and maintain its relevance in a rapidly changing political and economic environment.
Source: YouTube Channel SMWX
