ANC's Crossroads: A Pledge for Renewal Amid Crisis

South Africa's African National Congress is grappling with corruption and racial inequality. Facing decline in support, the party has vowed to reform and improve governance, striving to meet performance targets. Upcoming municipal elections will test the ANC's efforts to regain public confidence.

The African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa, famed for its role in ending apartheid, is currently navigating a profound crisis, its leaders pledged to address systemic corruption, mismanagement, and enduring racial disparities. This declaration follows the party's loss of its parliamentary majority, compelling it into its first coalition since 1994.

During a strategy conference held in Johannesburg, the ANC acknowledged its failings, highlighting poor service delivery and slow poverty reduction. The party admitted that the socio-economic structure rooted in apartheid remains largely unchanged, disadvantaging Black South Africans.

Facing the 2026 municipal elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the urgency of regaining public trust by promoting integrity within the party. The ANC aims to halt its decline in popularity among disillusioned young voters, amid concerns of cronyism and calls for an overhaul of its racial redress policies.

(With inputs from agencies.)