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ANC’s Iron Grip on South Africa Slips: A Political Earthquake Reshapes the Nation
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.
Diaspora Watch Newspaper is pleased to announce the release of its 98th edition, presenting readers with another rich blend of impactful stories, insightful analyses and inspiring human-interest features from across the world.
Leading this edition is the heartwarming cover story, “Godchildren Honour Emmanuel and Joy Ojiribe at 40th Anniversary Celebration in US,” which chronicles the remarkable legacy of love, faith, mentorship and family built over four decades by the celebrated couple, culminating in a memorable celebration attended by loved ones and admirers.
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The edition also brings readers up to speed on major international developments, including US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an Intel-Apple chip deal, Ghana’s move towards a local takeover of Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mine, CARICOM’s renewed commitment to improving citizens’ lives under incoming Chair Pierre, the possibility of cocoa prices rising above $10,000 per tonne once again, a comprehensive 14-Point Roadmap to De-escalation and Reconstruction, Singapore’s impressive 38.4 per cent growth in non-oil exports driven by artificial intelligence, and warnings from Kew scientists that AI and digitalization could play a crucial role in preventing global plant extinction.
On the back page, readers will find the inspiring story of Adenugba, who has been honored with the African Diaspora Fashion Platform Award, recognizing excellence, creativity and outstanding contributions to fashion within the global African diaspora community.
As always, Diaspora Watch Newspaper remains committed to delivering credible journalism, promoting African excellence, strengthening diaspora engagement and providing readers with balanced perspectives on global affairs, business, innovation and development.
The 98th edition is now available to readers across print and digital platforms. We invite everyone to pick up a copy and stay informed on the stories shaping Africa, the diaspora and the wider world.
SpaceX to join Nasdaq-100 index July 7
SpaceX will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index on July 7, following confirmation by exchange operator Nasdaq, a move expected to trigger a surge in passive investment into the aerospace and artificial intelligence company.
The inclusion means exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that track the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 Index will be required to purchase SpaceX shares, a development that typically boosts demand and supports a company’s stock price.
SpaceX, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, made its Nasdaq debut on June 12 and has experienced volatile financial performance in recent years, alternating between periods of losses and modest profits.
The company reported a net loss of $4.9bn in its most recent financial year, underscoring the challenges it continues to face despite strong investor interest in its space technology and artificial intelligence businesses.
The company’s addition to the index comes after Nasdaq, alongside other major index providers including FTSE Russell and MSCI, eased some of its listing eligibility requirements in an effort to attract more companies seeking to list on U.S. exchanges.
The revised criteria include changes to profitability requirements, the waiting period after a company’s initial public offering and the number of publicly traded shares required for inclusion in certain indices.
Meanwhile, S&P Global has maintained a more cautious approach.
The index provider said earlier this month that it would not alter its eligibility requirements for SpaceX to join its flagship indices, including the benchmark S&P 500.
According to S&P Global, the company will not be considered for inclusion in the S&P 500 until it has been publicly listed for at least 12 months.
The development comes as other leading artificial intelligence firms, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are widely expected to pursue initial public offerings either later this year or in 2027, with analysts projecting valuations exceeding $1tn.
Uzodimma Backs FLAC, Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Cancer
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the First Ladies Against Cancer, FLAC Nigeria, while calling on Nigerians to join efforts to combat cancer through increased awareness, early detection and sustained advocacy.
The governor made the pledge during a courtesy visit by members of FLAC and later at a gala night organised in their honour at the Government House in Owerri.
Speaking at the event, Uzodimma commended the organisation for its humanitarian interventions and contributions to improving cancer prevention, treatment and care across the country.
“I am excited to host you in Imo State and I commend your humanitarian services in Nigeria,” the governor said, assuring the delegation of his administration’s continued support for the organisation’s programmes.
He described Imo as the hospitality capital of the South-East and welcomed the delegates on behalf of the state government and people, assuring them of their safety during their stay.
The event also featured emotional testimonies from cancer survivors, including men, women and children, who recounted their experiences with the disease while encouraging Nigerians to embrace early screening and treatment.
Addressing guests at the gala night, Uzodimma stressed that the fight against cancer requires collective action, public education and efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease.
He also lauded the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for its investments in cancer prevention, treatment and palliative care, urging Nigerians to support ongoing reforms in the health sector.
“We need a new Nigeria where everyone participates in nation-building,” the governor said, adding that early detection remains critical to improving survival rates among cancer patients.
Earlier, the Chairperson of FLAC Nigeria and wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, said the delegation visited to appreciate the governor for his consistent support for the organisation’s advocacy and activities.
She explained that FLAC, whose membership comprises serving and former first ladies across the country, marks Cancer Survivors Month every June to celebrate survivors, inspire hope and raise awareness about the disease.
She described the governor as “a special friend of FLAC” and presented him with an award on behalf of the organisation in recognition of his support for its mission.
The gala night featured musical performances, a fashion parade by cancer survivors, comedy, cake cutting, presentation of gifts to survivors and a fundraising session to support the organisation’s advocacy programmes.
Mrs Uzodimma disclosed that more than N100m was raised during the fundraising to support FLAC’s ongoing cancer awareness and advocacy initiatives.
The delegation included the wives of the governors of Adamawa, Zamfara and Ogun states, Hajia Lami Fintiri, Hajia Huriyya Lawal and Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; immediate past FLAC Chairperson, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu; former First Lady of Niger State, Dr Amina Abubakar; and former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate, Dr Florence Ajumobi, among other dignitaries.
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 98
CARICOM celebrates women in diplomacy, hosts young female honorary diplomats
The Politics of Akara and Kuli-Kuli Empowerment, by Boniface Ihiasota
Pastor Jerry Eze Defends Miracles At UK Conference Amidst Criticism And Controversy
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
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