Headline
South Africa’s Struggles Under ANC Rule: Decline or Transformation?
BY FNF NEWS.
May 13, 2025
Introduction
Since the end of apartheid in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) has governed South Africa. Once hailed as the liberators of the nation under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, the ANC has, over the decades, faced growing criticism over corruption, mismanagement, and economic decline.
Now, a growing number of South Africans and international observers are asking: Has the ANC destroyed South Africa—or is the country facing the painful challenges of post-apartheid transformation?
Economic Decline and Unemployment
South Africa’s economy has struggled over the past two decades, with high unemployment, low growth, and rising public debt.
- Unemployment reached 32.1% in early 2025, one of the highest in the world. Youth unemployment is even worse, nearing 60% in some provinces.
- South Africa’s GDP growth has stagnated, rarely rising above 2% in recent years.
- Rolling blackouts (load shedding) due to mismanagement of Eskom, the state power utility, have crippled productivity and investor confidence.
Sources:
- Stats SA (South African government): www.statssa.gov.za
- Bloomberg: South Africa’s Power Crisis Deepens
Corruption and State Capture
Perhaps the most damaging accusation against the ANC has been the widespread corruption scandals, especially under former President Jacob Zuma (2009–2018).
- The Zondo Commission uncovered massive “state capture,” where private interests (notably the Gupta family) influenced state contracts, appointments, and policy.
- Billions of rands were siphoned from state-owned enterprises like Transnet, Eskom, and South African Airways.
Sources:
- BBC: South Africa’s State Capture Explained
- Zondo Commission Report: www.statecapture.org.za
Infrastructure and Service Collapse
Basic services such as water supply, waste removal, and road maintenance have deteriorated in many municipalities—many of which are governed by ANC-led councils.
- Reports from the Auditor-General of South Africa show that over 80% of municipalities are “financially distressed,” plagued by irregular spending and poor governance.
- Public hospitals and schools often face shortages of staff, equipment, and maintenance.
Sources:
- AGSA Reports: www.agsa.co.za
- Daily Maverick: Municipal Collapse Across South Africa
ANC’s Internal Decline and Election Losses
The ANC’s support has significantly weakened:
- In the 2021 local elections, the ANC received less than 50% of the national vote for the first time.
- In major cities like Johannesburg, Tshwane (Pretoria), and Cape Town, opposition parties now control local governments.
President Cyril Ramaphosa promised a “new dawn” after Zuma’s departure, but progress has been slow, and internal factional battles continue to weaken the party.
Source:
- Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC): www.elections.org.za
Conclusion
It’s clear that under ANC rule, South Africa has seen significant institutional decay, economic setbacks, and widespread corruption. While the country remains a functioning democracy with independent courts and free press, the promise of post-apartheid renewal has been deeply undermined by decades of mismanagement.
Many South Africans feel betrayed—and calls for reform or political change are growing louder as the 2026 general election approaches.
