OPINION: ANC needs introspection; next few years are crucial

The African National Congress (ANC) needs introspection, as the upcoming years will be crucial for its survival, according to political commentator Rebone Tau. The Eastern Cape, the ANC's traditional stronghold, is experiencing political divisions and a decline in voter loyalty, which could have significant implications for the party in the 2029 elections.

The Eastern Cape Electoral Commission (IEC) list, currently being contested, highlights the factionalism within the ANC. The United Democratic Movement (UDM), led by General Bantu Holomisa, sees potential in the Eastern Cape due to the ANC's divisions. The decline in the ANC's vote share from 2019 to 2024 in the province suggests the need for the ANC to address its internal challenges.

The upcoming ANC National Conference in 2029 will be pivotal, as the power struggle in Eastern Cape, with Oscar Mabuyane's term ending, will determine the next Premier. Mbalula, the ANC Secretary-General, is dealing with administrative processes, but the root cause is a political problem, not an administrative one. If the ANC's Top 7 and National Working Committee (NWC) cannot resolve the factionalism, they may struggle to win in 2029.

The ANC's internal issues, such as purging and lack of comradeship, weaken the organization. The party talks about renewal but fails to implement it due to factionalism. The author argues that the ANC needs political will from all its members for any change, suggesting former ANCYL leaders should not be allowing the party to decline.

Without addressing the political issues, the ANC's future in the Eastern Cape and nationwide is uncertain.