Is the ‘freedom’ the governing party brought to South Africa still enough for voters 30 years later?
Tens of thousands of African National Congress (ANC) supporters gathered in Soweto for the Siyanboqo Rally, marking the final event of the 2024 election campaign. The atmosphere was lively, reminiscent of previous ANC rallies. However, this election is pivotal for the party, which polls suggest may lose its majority for the first time in 30 years since apartheid ended. Despite this, ANC leaders remain confident, with officials, including Minister of Electricity Seputla Ramogopa, expressing optimism about securing more than 50 percent of the vote and dismissing the need for coalition governance.
Critics argue that the ANC has failed to fulfill its promises, citing the breakdown of the power grid as a significant issue. The country has experienced frequent “load-shedding,” where electricity is periodically cut off due to insufficient power generation, undermining public confidence. While ANC leaders acknowledge past missteps, they maintain that South Africa is better off now than before 1994. Nonetheless, the ongoing power crisis and other challenges are fueling opposition calls for the party’s removal from power.
