The ANC Election Manifesto unveiling was held in the vibrant city of Durban, under a sky filled with the brilliant colors of the party’s flags. There was an unmistakable passion to the occasion. Young and old alike, supporters flocked to the gathering, their excitement evident as they unites behind the political party that has dominated the country’s politics for the past thirty years. This event demonstrated the growing support for the ANC as the crucial South African election approaches, in addition to being a show of loyalty.
As the May 29 election draws near, support for the African National Congress (ANC) has significantly increased, according to a new tracking poll by the Social Research Foundation (SRF). The unveiling of the ANC Election Manifesto took place in the colorful city of Durban, beneath a sky full with the rich hues of the party’s flags. There was an obvious passion for the event. Enthusiasts of the political party that has ruled the nation’s politics for the last thirty years, young and old alike, poured into the event, their enthusiasm palpable. This was a display of allegiance as well as an indication of the ANC’s growing support as the pivotal South African election draws near.
The rise in ANC’s popularity has not always been continuous. Early in the year, polls showed a more dire situation. Support for the ANC was 40.2% in an Ipsos study conducted in April, compared to a lower 39% in a poll conducted in March by The Brenthurst Foundation and the SABI Strategy Group. These numbers raised questions about whether the ANC would need to establish a coalition administration as they indicated a potential loss in the party’s influence.
One important topic of conversation is the possible need for a coalition. The parties that have been identified as likely partners are the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, who received 20.8% and 10.8% of the votes, respectively, in the previous election. But standing with these parties might force the ANC to give significant ground on governance and policy, changing the political terrain.
Why, therefore, is the ANC experiencing a spike in support in light of these difficulties? Its grassroots approach provides a significant portion of the solution. In the past, the African National Congress (ANC) has organized a wide network of volunteers to conduct door-to-door campaigns. In addition, its leaders have toured the country, promoting the party’s goals and accomplishments. Its popularity has been continuously increased in the run-up to elections by this active strategy.
The impact of former president Jacob Zuma’s late-year endorsement of the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, which originally drew off some support from the ANC, is another factor in this election equation. But as MK’s novelty wears off, there appears to be a noticeable turn back towards the ANC, indicating a reconsolidation of its old support base.
It is important to pay attention to the SRF poll’s methodology. The poll’s robustness lends credence to its conclusions, with a base sample of over 2,000 respondents established between March and April with a margin of error at 2.2% at the 95% confidence level. Additionally, starting April 15, the pollsters have stepped up their efforts, adding 200 new respondents per day. As of recent, that total has risen to 300.
