The ANC has never shut its eyes to its shortcomings. Each ANC policy and national conference is erudite on the party’s flaws.
The party’s January 8 statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa was no exception, accurately highlighting the problems that led to the ANC’s loss of electoral support in the 2024 polls.
The state of the economy, poor basic services and deficiencies in governance, with the ANC’s own organisational weaknesses and its damaged brand, contributed to the general election drubbing. Yet, the ANC has failed to find workable solutions.
At the heart of it all is the lack of capable leaders to address the challenges faced by the organisation and country.
What the ANC has admitted to is the dearth of quality members of the party, from its branches upward.
Worse, the introduction of a “political education” course and the requirement for new members to explain their reasons for joining are hardly the recipe to attract the brightest and most hardworking South Africans.
South Africans — across racial and socioeconomic lines — have the talent to shine globally but the ANC will continue to struggle unless it attracts young, talented South Africans committed to building the country.
What needs to be done to fix the country will not matter if those doing it are weak and inept.
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