In a nation grappling with one of the world’s highest unemployment rates, severe shortages of electricity and water, and rampant crime, South Africa’s governing par- ty, the African National Congress (ANC), has suffered a historic decline in voter support. Once a symbol of liberation and unity, the ANC now faces an uncertain future, having won significantly less than the nearly 58 percent of the vote it secured in the 2019 elections.

The decline of the ANC, Africa’s oldest liberation movement, marks a pivotal moment for one of the continent’s most stable nations and its largest economy. The party, which rose to international acclaim on the shoulders of Nelson Mandela, now has two weeks to form a government by partnering with rival parties that have previously denounced it as corrupt and vowed never to form an alliance with it. Maropene Ramokgopa, a top official in the ANC, expressed shock at the election results, signaling the party’s realization that they have missed something crucial. The loss has brought to light the internal and external challenges faced by the ANC, including ram- pant corruption and a deeply factionalized party structure.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who leads the ANC, faces a grave threat to his ambition of serving a second term. Known for his negotiating skills that helped end apartheid, Ramaphosa must now unify his party and navigate a complex political landscape to form a coalition government. This task is further complicated by the internal divisions within the ANC and the external pressure from rival parties and the public.

Khulu Mbatha, an ANC veteran critical of the party’s handling of corruption, lamented the deterioration of conditions under Ramaphosa’s leadership. The ANC’s failure to address systemic corruption has been a significant factor in its decline, eroding public trust and support.

A major contributor to the ANC’s collapse is Jacob Zuma, Ramaphosa’s predecessor and archenemy. Zuma recently launched a new party, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), which won nearly 15 percent of the vote, siphoning crucial support from the ANC. Despite the significant result for a new party, Zuma has discredited the election, claiming it was rigged and that his party actually won two-thirds of the vote.

Zuma’s actions foreshadow the political instability he could cause for the ANC. His refusal to accept the election results and threats to disrupt the certification process underscore the contentious political environment in South Africa. Without an absolute majority, the ANC can no longer unilaterally select the country’s president, who is elected by the 400-member National Assembly. With 52 parties in the national election, the ANC must now form alliances to secure a governing majority. This predicament upends South Africa’s political landscape and places the ANC at a critical juncture.

Potential coalition partners span the ideo- logical spectrum, posing significant challenges for the ANC. Aligning with certain parties could alienate parts of its base, complicating efforts to maintain a cohesive government. The ANC’s leaders must navigate these complex dynamics to form a stable coalition that can effectively govern.

Democratic Alliance (DA): The DA, which secured the second-largest share of the vote, is seen as a potential partner. However, the DA’s market-based economic policies and op- position to race-based affirmative action pose significant political risks for Ramaphosa. The DA’s stance on issues appealing to the right- wing white population further complicates the potential for a coalition.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF): Led by Julius Malema, the EFF presents another potential ally. The EFF’s platform of nationalizing mines and redistributing land to Black South Africans aligns with a segment of the ANC’s ideology but could deter international investors and big business. Malema’s conciliatory tone towards the ANC highlights a willingness to collaborate, but the ideological divide remains a hurdle.

The prospect of coalition governments raises concerns about political instability. Local coalition governments in South Africa have been marked by infighting and inefficiency, raising fears that a similar scenario could un- fold at the national level. This instability could distract from addressing the country’s pressing issues, such as unemployment, crime, and infrastructure deficiencies.

For many South Africans, the election rep- resents an opportunity for a significant reset akin to the transition to democracy in 1994. The slogan “2024 is our 1994” resonated with many voters, particularly the youth, signaling a desire for meaningful change and a break from the ANC’s past.

The ANC’s legacy as a liberation movement has lost its luster among younger South Africans who did not experience apartheid. Their disillusionment with the party’s failure to deliver tangible improvements in living conditions has driven the shift in electoral support.

The ANC’s decline could have broader implications for other former liberation movements in southern Africa, which have also seen declining electoral support. Analysts suggest that the outcome of South Africa’s election could foreshadow similar trends in neighboring countries, potentially reshaping the political landscape of the region.

Mavuso Msimang, a veteran ANC member, reflected on the party’s decline, attributing it to the failure to deliver basic services like electricity. The long lines at polling stations on Election Day signaled a shift in voter sentiment, as many South Africans expressed their dissatisfaction with the ANC’s governance.

South Africa stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented political challenges and an uncertain future. The ANC’s historic decline in voter support underscores the urgent need for the party to address internal divisions, tackle corruption, and restore public trust. Forming a stable coalition government will be a crucial test for the ANC and its leadership, with significant implications for the country’s political stability and economic future.

As South Africans look to the future, the call for a reset offers a glimmer of hope for meaningful change and progress. The path forward will require strong leadership, unity, and a commitment to addressing the country’s most pressing issues, ensuring that the promise of liberation is fulfilled for all South Africans.