Our Viewpoint | ANC’s credibility crisis

The ANC faces one of the most consequential candidate selection processes in its democratic history as it prepares for the November local government elections. Unlike in previous elections, where the party enjoyed sufficient political dominance to balance electoral considerations with internal transformation objectives, the current political environment presents a far more difficult reality. The ANC enters these elections under intense scrutiny from voters who are increasingly frustrated by poor service delivery, governance failures and allegations of corruption in municipalities across the country.

In this context, the party’s ability to convince the electorate that it is capable of governing effectively will depend largely on the calibre of candidates it places before voters. This reality inevitably places the ANC’s long-standing commitment to gender parity and intergenerational representation under pressure. These policies have played an important role in transforming the political landscape and ensuring broader representation within government structures, enabling women and younger leaders to occupy positions historically dominated by older men — contributing significantly to the democratisation of political leadership.

Elections, however, are ultimately won or lost on public confidence. The ANC no longer enjoys the electoral comfort it once did, with declining voter support having fundamentally altered the political calculations within the party. Where it was once possible to prioritise demographic representation alongside electoral considerations, the margin for error has narrowed considerably. Voters are less interested in the age, gender or factional affiliation of candidates than in their ability to deliver basic services, manage public resources responsibly and restore trust in local government institutions.