08/07/2025
The State of South African Politics: My Critical Reflection
1. Is There Any Hope for This Country Given the Conduct of Existing Political Parties?
South Africa finds itself at a critical juncture. One struggles to envision any meaningful developmental progress when the majority of the electorate continues to entrust governance to the African National Congress (ANC). The widespread and deeply entrenched corruption that plagues the ANC cannot be dismissed as the work of isolated factions. It has evolved into an institutional culture within the organisation, a norm rather than the exception.
The pressing question, therefore, is: what must be done to restore the dignity and promise of a nation systematically eroded by the ANC and its network of corrupt patronage? One conclusion becomes inescapable, the ANC must be removed from political power and stripped of its control over the machinery of the state. Its presence in government has become synonymous with decay, dysfunction, and betrayal of the very people it once claimed to liberate.
2. Can the EFF Be Trusted as a Post-ANC Alternative?
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), while often loud in critique of the ANC, are by no means exempt from scrutiny. One would argue that they are, in many ways, an extension of the same political culture they condemn. The EFF emerged from the ANC and continues to share many of its ideological flaws, authoritarian tendencies, and populist rhetoric.
Moreover, the party appears to have reached a plateau in its growth. It has failed to translate its radical message into a sustainable or convincing model for governance. Thus, it is difficult to regard the EFF as a viable or trustworthy alternative. Its brand of politics, too often performative and divisive, offers no real path out of the current crisis.
3. Does the MKP Offer a Path Toward Renewal?
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) was once seen as a possible lifeline for a nation betrayed by the ANC. Initially, it carried the hopes of those who yearned for a return to principled leadership and true liberation for black South Africans. However, internal dysfunction and unchecked personal ambition, particularly within the family of former President Jacob Zuma, have quickly extinguished that hope.
The inability of the party’s leadership to separate personal interests from national duty has severely compromised its legitimacy. What could have been a transformative movement is now embroiled in personal power struggles, rendering it ineffective as a vehicle for national renewal.
4. Can ActionSA Be the Change South Africa Needs?
ActionSA has demonstrated a commendable commitment to ethical leadership and a technocratic approach to governance. Under the leadership of Herman Mashaba, the party has positioned itself as an anti-corruption force and has made notable gains, particularly in Gauteng.
However, the party’s regional focus, especially its limited contestation outside key urban centres, raises concerns about its capacity to lead on a national scale. While it cannot be dismissed outright, ActionSA alone is not the solution. It may, however, be a valuable partner in a broader, reformist coalition that shares a common national vision.
5. What, Then, Must Be Done?
The removal of the ANC from government is non-negotiable. However, simply replacing one party with another will not resolve our crisis. What is required is a strategic, principled, and united front among all progressive black political formations, excluding the ANC. Egos must be set aside, and a collective vision must take precedence over individual ambition.
We cannot continue to fragment our votes while our adversaries, those who benefit from systemic inequality and exploitation consolidate theirs with precision and shared purpose. The Democratic Alliance (DA), as the official opposition, benefits from this fragmentation because its primary support base is aligned and singular in its objectives.
Thus, black political unity is not a luxury, it is a strategic imperative. The dismantling of the ANC must come not from within its corrupt ranks, but from the collective will of the people of South Africa, those who have suffered most from its failures and betrayals.
Conclusion
South Africa stands at a crossroads. The future depends not on the survival of any one party, but on the collective courage of the people to demand a new era of governance, one rooted in accountability, integrity, and unity of purpose. We must act not out of anger alone, but from a deep love for our country and a clear-eyed understanding of what is required to rebuild it.
