The ANC’s analysis after its recent meetings — of why the majority of eligible voters cancelled the party during the 2024 elections — was correct. But without a plan to reverse the trend it is likely to suffer further electoral losses over the next five years as the economic crisis intensifies after 16 years of declining average living standards and soaring unemployment. 

Between the 2009 and 2024 national elections the ANC suffered a 25.7 percentage point decline in support, to 40.2% from 65.9%, as many voters stayed at home or voted for its two offshoots, the MK party and EFF. In 2024 about 25.1-million (61%) of 41.4-million eligible voters stayed at home on election day. The ANC received support from only 15.7% of eligible voters...

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