South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC), the historic liberation movement that brought Nelson Mandela to power, has acknowledged it is at a crossroads. Confronted with corruption, poor governance, and persistent racial inequality, the party has pledged to take decisive steps to restore its credibility and reconnect with the people.
Once the undisputed leader of South African politics, the ANC lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994, forcing it into a coalition government last year. This shift has triggered deep reflection within the party.
Concluding a strategy conference in Johannesburg on Thursday, the ANC endorsed a declaration admitting its shortcomings, including corruption, factional infighting, weak service delivery, and slow progress in alleviating poverty.
“The apartheid-colonial political economy remains largely intact,” the declaration read, acknowledging the persistent disadvantages faced by Black South Africans compared to the small white minority.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, the party’s leader, emphasized the urgency of renewal: “We understand our struggle to be at a fork in the road, and thus, we can either renew or perish. This will be an important test of the extent to which we have managed to renew the support and confidence of our people.”
The party aims to set clear performance targets across multiple areas and cites progress in fostering a culture of accountability. One measure highlighted is the strengthened “step aside” rule, which requires members accused of wrongdoing to relinquish their positions.
The ANC faces municipal elections in 2026, viewed as a crucial test of its ability to regain trust, particularly among younger voters disillusioned by perceived cronyism and slow progress. Meanwhile, the opposition Democratic Alliance continues to advocate for free-market policies and the dismantling of the ANC’s racial redress programs—a stance that has drawn international attention.
For many South Africans, the ANC’s journey is deeply personal. Beyond politics, it represents decades of struggle, sacrifice, and hope. The reforms now promised signal a critical effort not just to win elections, but to honor the trust of a nation that still looks to the ANC as a symbol of freedom and opportunity.
