The African National Congress (ANC), a liberation movement synonymous with the end of apartheid, finds itself at a profound crossroads. For decades, its legacy as the party of Nelson Mandela and the bringer of freedom was its greatest asset. But in the 21st century, that legacy alone is no longer enough to secure the unwavering support of a new generation. The party is now facing its biggest existential crisis since 1994, forced to confront the harsh reality of a fractured voter base and a society demanding accountability for its failures.
The cracks began to show long ago, but the 2024 elections were the wake-up call. For the first time, the ANC lost its parliamentary majority, forcing it into an unprecedented Government of National Unity. This wasn’t just a political setback; it was a symbolic rejection by millions of South Africans who had grown tired of persistent corruption, economic stagnation, and a lack of basic service delivery. The promise of a better life for all had been overshadowed by the realities of load shedding, high unemployment, and inequality.
The party’s internal divisions have been a major obstacle to renewal. Factionalism and infighting, often rooted in battles over resources and power, have crippled its ability to govern effectively and present a united front. The legacy of state capture under Jacob Zuma left an indelible stain, with an official inquiry concluding that the ANC “permitted, supported and enabled corruption.” While Cyril Ramaphosa promised a “new dawn,” the lingering shadows of the past have made it difficult to convince a cynical public that meaningful change is possible.
The ANC is now being forced to reinvent itself. It can no longer rely on the nostalgia of the anti-apartheid struggle. It must articulate a new vision for a modern, inclusive South Africa. This means tackling corruption head-on, not just in rhetoric but through concrete action. It means addressing the economic anxieties of a youth that feels betrayed and a working class that feels left behind. It means shifting from a liberation movement to a modern political party, one focused on good governance, economic growth, and efficient service delivery.
The coalition government presents both a challenge and an opportunity. It forces the ANC to compromise and work with political rivals, which could lead to more inclusive and balanced policies. However, it also exposes the party’s vulnerabilities and could further alienate its more radical elements, who may see a partnership with the Democratic Alliance (DA) as a betrayal of its core principles. The balance between maintaining its identity and adapting to a new political reality is a precarious one.
The generational divide is also a significant factor. Many “born frees,” who grew up in post-apartheid South Africa, do not share the same emotional connection to the ANC as their parents. They are more likely to vote based on performance and policy, not on historical loyalty. The ANC must find a way to connect with this new demographic, addressing their concerns about unemployment and a lack of opportunities. This will require fresh faces, new ideas, and a genuine commitment to reform.
In the end, the ANC’s future hangs in the balance. It has a choice: to cling to the past and risk becoming a political footnote, or to embrace the challenge of reinvention, clean up its act, and prove that it can still be a force for positive change in South Africa. The journey will be difficult and painful, but for the sake of the country, it’s a journey that must be taken.
You can learn more about the complexities of South African politics by watching a Parliament debate on the Debate on Vote 6: International Relations and Cooperation, 3July 2025.