Why did the ANC lose its majority after 30 years?
#75: Thokozani Chilenga-Butao, Alexis Akwagyiram and Nicole Beadsworth
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On May 29th, the African National Congress—Nelson Mandela’s party, which has ruled South Africa since the end of Apartheid—failed to secure a majority in the National Assembly. For the first time in more than 30 years, and after losing 71 seats, it came well short of the 201 seats needed to secure a majority. It now has to govern as part of a coalition. How did it happen?
The electorate are tired of public service issues in the country. These issues include electricity and water outages and poor education outcomes. Coupled with high unemployment, people have grown weary of the ANC’s ability to manage the economy. Worse, there is an association between the deteriorating state of the country and grand political corruption. This has led to an untenable situation where the promises of democracy in 1994 – freedom, equality and a better life for all – have not materialised. Add ANC factionalism into the mix, and you have the makings of the removal of a liberation movement from power.
Corruption and mismanagement festered under the ANC because it governed, without a strong opposition party, for three decades. This corroded much of South Africa’s state apparatus, from electricity provision to healthcare and schools. And the ANC had to take responsibility for hardship endured by voters because it had held power since the end of apartheid. South Africa’s proportional representation electoral system ensured that increased votes for smaller parties were reflected in parliamentary seats. A plurality voting system, of the kind used in the UK or US for example, would make it harder for insurgent parties to have such an impact.
30 years after apartheid, the average South African is now 28 years old. These youths have little connection to the ANC as a party that ended apartheid, and 46% of them are unemployed. While the ANC has achieved much in three decades, progress has stalled on public housing and service delivery – with stagnating growth, electricity blackouts, and widespread corruption, fewer people were persuaded by the party’s slogan of “LET'S DO MORE, TOGETHER!” While just 34% of eligible citizens came out to vote, Ramaphosa’s main rival – former President Zuma – mopped up the anti-ANC protest vote, knocking the ANC under 50%.
Further reading:
The failing ANC is rejected by over half of South Africa, The Economist, NA
The ANC’s total supremacy in South Africa is over. Now a healthier future can begin, The Guardian, Alexis Akwagyiram
South Africa’s new coalition government heralds change for the region and its leaders, Chatham House, Alex Vines
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