
The African National Congress (ANC) are in a pickle, a self-created issue and deteriorating trust between them and the electorate. The ANC have been in power since the 1990s but has had a weakened mandate over time. Now the majority of the national government is over. This means they have to negotiate and collectively work together with another party or parties. That is a new role for the ANC who has been the sole caretaker of the Republic.
The ANC only getting 40% of the votes is a heavy burden. They are now in need of other parties to be able to rule with a majority. The ANC can work with expelled and former ANC leaders in the parties of MK Party and EFF. That being former President Zuma and former ANCYL leader Malema. That’s all up to the ANC NEC and whatever they deem fit. Unless, they want to go moderate and go “white” with the DA. That would defeat the liberation movement, but also show modesty or even compromise in plenty of aspects.
The MK Party might never want to work with the ANC. As Zuma is there for revenge and avenge Ramaphosa who was his end. The ANC already have to hold talks and figure out ways to govern. They have a mandate, but not superior or a majority. That’s why the ANC is in the mercy of others. Some people wanted this happen sooner, but now it is a thing.
Ramaphosa is the biggest loser of the election, as he needs favours and able to negotiate with others. He cannot rule like he has and have to be able to govern. That’s why he has to swallow and accept parts of policies, which is in contrast to how the ANC have run the nation. Therefore, the future isn’t bright for the ANC.
The ANC have been destructive and been detrimental to its own downfall. The cronyism and corruption in combination of not being accountable for misuse of office has made the party suffer in public. The State Capture and the Phala Phala cases have hurt the ANC. Ramaphosa and Zuma is more akin than they would say in public. One has Nkandla and the other has Phala Phala. Therefore, these two have their own scandals and misuse of office on their records.
The ANC cannot run away from its fault. Now they have to make decisions and talk directly with others. They cannot just bulldoze and decide on its own. That cannot work in a coalition. A possible Government of National Unity (GNU). This could possibly happen with the likes of the former ANC leaders and accept some of their terms. We don’t know if the ANC would accept that, but it cost to not have the majority. That is a price the ANC have to pay now.
The ANC surely is feeling a pinch. Ramaphosa has been humiliated and been put on hold. He has to talk and get a backing for his next moves. It could easily be inside work to get rid of him, as he has the worst election result in the party who ruled for 30 years. Ramaphosa could be gotten rid off to ensure the ANC is running a majority government. However, that would cost and be historic too.
We can wonder who the ANC wants to work with or what sort of policies they will accept from their new partners. As it will set the terms and the goals for this term. The next few days will be telling and the news of the talks will come out too. As there will be dialogue behind closed doors. Peace.














