Anda Mbikwana
The ANC, once heralded as the vanguard of South Africa’s liberation Struggle, now faces an unprecedented crisis of legitimacy and trust. Over the past decades, the party has presided over the erosion of public institutions, rampant corruption and a pervasive failure to deliver basic services to the populace it once vowed to uplift.
However, instead of confronting the failures head-on, the ANC has employed a strategic manoeuvre to evade accountability: the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU), which includes other politically ambitious parties, some with questionable moral standing.
The coalition strategy has not only diluted responsibility but also diverted public scrutiny away from the ANC’s leadership, thereby complicating the accountability mechanisms crucial to South Africa’s democratic health.
The GNU as a Shield Against Accountability
The ANC’s decision to establish a GNU must be viewed as a calculated political move rather than a genuine effort to foster inclusivity or national cohesion. By incorporating other power-hungry political entities into the government, the ANC effectively shifts the burden of service delivery failures away from itself.
The party has co-opted the smaller political factions, many of which are driven by a desire for power rather than principled governance, into a collective responsibility that blurs the lines of accountability. The tactic is particularly effective in deflecting public anger and preventing any single entity — particularly the ANC — from being solely blamed for the state’s governance failures.
Moreover, the inclusion of convicted criminals and other ethically compromised individuals in positions of power within this GNU is a stark indicator of the ANC’s desperation to retain control at any cost. By extending political olive branches to the individuals, the ANC not only compromises the integrity of the government but also signals its willingness to prioritise political expediency over moral and ethical governance. The move further entrenches a culture of impunity and erodes public trust in the government’s ability to self-correct.
The DA and the ANC: A Marriage of Convenience
The alliance between the ANC and the DA in this coalition government is emblematic of the ANC’s strategy to avoid direct confrontation with the electorate’s growing discontent. The DA, historically positioned as the primary opposition to the ANC, now finds itself in an uneasy partnership with its erstwhile adversary.
The arrangement benefits both parties: the ANC dilutes its responsibility for governance failures, while the DA gains access to power, albeit at the cost of its oppositional credibility.
The alliance, however, does a disservice to South Africa’s democratic project. By co-opting the opposition into governance, the ANC effectively neutralises one of the key pillars of democratic accountability – an independent and critical opposition. The result is a political environment where the electorate is left disillusioned and confused, as traditional lines of political contestation are blurred.
The Danger of Public Distraction
As the ANC continues to navigate its governance crisis through strategic alliances, the South African public must remain vigilant. The formation of a GNU and the subsequent political machinations should not distract from the core issue: the ANC’s abject failure to deliver on its promises of a better life for all.
The electorate must resist the temptation to view the coalition government as a fresh start or a collective entity that dilutes individual party responsibility. Instead, the focus should remain squarely on holding the ANC accountable for its decades-long governance failures.
This is not the time for South Africans to lose sight of the pressing need for accountability.
The ANC, as the dominant party in power since the dawn of democracy, bears the primary responsibility for the state of the nation.
The party’s repeated failure to address systemic corruption, inequality and poor service delivery cannot be excused by the formation of a GNU or by shifting blame onto coalition partners.
The ANC’s Moral Obligation to Step Aside
In light of its failures, the ANC owes South Africans more than just apologies; it must acknowledge the depth of its governance failures and the harm it has inflicted on the nation.
More importantly, the party must be willing to step aside and allow for a genuine political renewal, led by those who are committed to rebuilding the country from the ravages of apartheid and the ANC’s mismanagement.
The liberation Struggle, while a pivotal chapter in South Africa’s history, cannot be the perpetual justification for a party’s continued rule in the face of widespread failure.
South Africa’s journey towards true Uhuru – complete freedom – remains incomplete, not only because of the remnants of apartheid but also because of the ANC’s betrayal of its liberation ideals. The path to genuine freedom and prosperity is now longer and more arduous due to the ANC’s mismanagement, but it is a path that must be traversed if South Africa is to realise its full potential.
In conclusion, South Africans must not allow the ANC’s strategic alliances and political manoeuvres to obscure the need for accountability. The formation of a GNU should not be mistaken for progress or a clean slate; it is, in many respects, a calculated move to evade responsibility.
The ANC must be held accountable for its failures, and the people of South Africa must remain steadfast in their demand for a government that serves their interests. Only through unwavering vigilance and a commitment to true accountability can South Africa begin to heal and rebuild from the damage wrought by apartheid and the ANC’s governance.
Mbikwana is a PhD candidate with the University of Johannesburg faculty of Humanities. He writes in his personal capacity