ANC's 'better life for all' mantra remains a pipedream

Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu

On June 26, 1955, the Freedom Charter was adopted in Kliptown, Soweto in Johannesburg. This document envisioned a free South Africa post-apartheid. It gave hope of a better future where people’s dignity would be restored, and racial stratification be a thing of the past. This gave hope for a better life for all South Africans. Of the ten clauses in the Freedom Charter as the focal points, a few stood out and have been ventilated over the years.

The first clause stated that “The people shall govern.” This assumed that a government of the people would be constituted, not the apartheid government which represented a white minority. The fourth promise was that “The land shall be shared among those who work it.” Implicit in this vision was that the black majority who tilled the land would own it. The eighth clause stated that “The doors of learning and culture shall be opened.” This brought a glimmer of hope to the students. There were other promises of the sharing of the country’s wealth and assurance that all racial groups would have equal rights.

The year 2025 marks 70 years since the adoption of the Freedom Charter. This happens at a time when the ANC is no longer the governing party but is part of a multiparty coalition government following its failure to obtain the required fifty-plus-one threshold in the 2024 general election. However, the ANC has led South Africa during the first six administrations since 1994. As such, it had enough time to implement the promises of the Freedom Charter.

Five questions arise. The first question is ‘how far have the promises of the Freedom Charter been achieved under the ANC government? Secondly, to what extent have opposition political parties held the ANC accountable so that it could deliver on the promises contained in the Freedom Charter? Thirdly, following the ANC’s dismal performance in the 2024 general election, are opposition parties capitalising on the ANC’s weakness or are they allowing the ANC to regain its lost ground? Fourthly, to what extent is the ANC regrouping as it prepares for the 2026 Local Government Election (LGE)? Lastly and importantly, what can we expect in the much-anticipated LGE given the current politics in the country?

On the first question, it depends on who is being asked. Many South Africans believe that the ANC has reneged on its promise to implement the clauses of the Freedom Charter. They base their assessment on the condition of their lives and unfulfilled promises made by the ANC in each election.

However, the ANC holds the view that of the ten clauses, only two have not been fulfilled. These are clause three which says, “The people shall share in the country’s wealth” and clause four which says, “The land shall be shared among those who work it.” But even with these clauses, the ANC claims that it is a work in progress. ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe argues that the ANC has lived to the ideals of the Freedom Charter. Therefore, it is safe to say that the answers to the first question are subjective.

The second question is more important. The mandate of opposition political parties (especially the main opposition) is to keep the governing party on its toes. After the 1994 general election, the National Party (NP) was pushed to the opposition benches. It failed to hold the ANC accountable. Instead, it split into two and eventually collapsed.

In 1999, the Democratic Party (DP) of Tony Leon assumed the position of being the official opposition. From 2004 to 2024 the Democratic Alliance was the official opposition party. It failed to hold the ANC accountable. Despite its scathing attack on the ANC, it is now co-governing with the ANC in the multiparty coalition.

The third question speaks to the current situation. The newly formed Mkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) is the official opposition. Together with the EFF and other smaller parties, it should be positioning itself as an alternative. However, currently, the party is unstable. This instability is exemplified by the recent swearing-in of nine new members in the National Assembly and some movements in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature. 

Even in the leadership of the party outside parliament, there is instability. The recent removal of Floyd Shivambu from the position of Secretary General and his subsequent media briefing which laid bare his sour relations with the party confirm instability in the SG position. The EFF is also facing problems of its own – including a decline in its support base.

The fourth question speaks directly to the ANC. The party is on record talking about the renewal agenda. However, this seems to be political rhetoric rather than something tangible. KwaZulu-Natal where the party recorded its highest loss has seen more activity. Firstly, the provincial leadership structure was reconfigured. A few days ago, the ANC’s 11 regions were disbanded by the current leadership. While these might be touted as part of the renewal process, some might argue that it has the potential to further divide the party.

In parliament, the ANC faced a backlash on the budget issue – especially the proposed 2% VAT hike. This happened against the backdrop of what happened in the sixth administration when the ANC used its numbers to protect President Ramaphosa after the Phala Phala saga. Even the party’s working relations (or lack thereof) with the DA have drawn interest from the public. So, is the ANC really renewing itself or is the renewal agenda only existing on paper?

The last question about next year’s LGE touches on all political parties – both those who are in the coalition and opposition parties. The former must account to the electorate about what they have been doing since the start of the seventh administration. Opposition parties must explain to the public if they have held the coalition government accountable or if they were fixated on their internal issues.

As we reflect on the Freedom Charter, objective reflections are crucial.

* Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu is Director of the Centre for the Advancement of Non-Racialism and Democracy at Nelson Mandela University.

** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.