The Telegraph gives an overview of the situation in South Africa, emphasising Zuma and the ANC’s poor performance and the subsequent growth of the DA and EFF. If the party holds its ground, it would cement the perception of South Africa as essentially a one-party state, leaving many citizens on the sidelines.
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At a massive final rally, the party made a last push for votes, stressing its anti-apartheid history and the legacy of former president and Nobel peace price victor Nelson Mandela.
“In past elections the DA wouldn’t dare to come here”, 25-year old IT graduate Zodwa Twani told Reuters from a rundown township in Port Elizabeth where DA placards line the streets alongside images of President Jacob Zuma. “They don’t focus on the good things”.
In three days times, close to 24 million South Africans will have the opportunity to take part in what is most closely contested election in our country’s democratic era. “Losing control of cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg would deal an enormous blow to the prestige of the ANC and deepen already profound unease about the leadership of Jacob Zuma, president of South Africa and of the party”. “The ANC will work hard to win Cape Town”, he said.
While the polls suggest different outcomes in the battleground municipalities like Tshwane, Nelson Mandela Bay and Johannesburg, they all reflect double-digit figures when it comes to voters still sitting on the fence.
But the men and women who live in the informal settlements that persist next to the government houses say they have little hope that their children and grandchildren will lead better lives.
For example, according to United Nations, the percentage of the population with access to at least basic sanitation increased to 79.5 percent in 2014 from 62.3 percent in 2002.
But corruption and cronyism as well as economic slowdown have done enormous damage to the party.
Within the context of a controversial national leader (Zuma) who is now polarizing to the extreme within his own party through the fermentation of factionalism, the ANC finds itself caught in a pincer movement of opposition that will be felt across Metro’s and local councils this week as both parties gain at the expense of the governing party.
The government struggle to provide basic services as such electricity to numerous poor could fuel support for the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) and the radical leftist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
“The African National Congress (ANC) is facing major losses in local elections this week which could signal the end of its domination of South African politics”.
Jordaan and other ANC candidates will be relying on the fiercely loyal support base it still retains due to its central role in ending apartheid and its association with Mandela.
Phumzile van Damme of the DA says they have not been permitted to campaign freely.
“My mother says they fought for our freedom and we should never forget that”.
All eyes are on South Africa in the lead up to the local elections. “When Mandela looks down on us he must see we still support his party”.
“It may be possible at some point to salvage the ANC from this race to the bottom”.
“The ANC may be in decline, but it still stands a chance of winning the election overall”, said Susan Booysen, a political analyst at the University of the Witwatersrand, urging caution over predicting the results.
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On Saturday, speaking at a business gala dinner in Polokwane, Malema also stressed his connection to Mandela, telling a story of how, when he still served in the ANC Youth League structures, Mandela had told him to get fit.
