Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), disclosed during a press conference on Thursday that he had a direct conversation with African National Congress (ANC) leaders, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, to encourage them to acknowledge that the party has lost its power. Malema, well-known for his incisive criticism of the ANC, disclosed that the meeting occurred recently and that his recommendation to the ANC leadership was to cease acting as if they still possessed uncontested authority.
MALEMA: I told the ANC when I met with them, Panyaza, and some of the leadership of the ANC, I said; ‘everyday, in the Province, in the Municipalities, everyday when you wake up, put it in your mind that you have lost power’ – because you still want to operate like you have got…
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) October 10, 2024
When I conferred with Panyaza and some of the ANC’s leadership, I informed them. I stated, “Every day in the province and in the municipalities, when you awaken, remember that you have lost power,” Malema informed reporters. Because you continue to desire to function as though you possess authority.
Malema’s comments emphasize the increasing conviction that the ANC, which was once the dominant force in South African politics, has been gradually losing its political dominance. This is notably evident in critical provinces and municipalities, where coalition governments have become the new norm, and the ANC is battling to retain control. The EFF leader contended that the ANC is failing to adapt to the new political landscape and continues to behave as if it is still in full control.
They maintain the illusion of being in power, but in reality, they are clinging to it by a thread, as Malema stated. They have forfeited the confidence of the populace, and rather than acknowledging this and adjusting, they persist in their hubris as a ruling party. This is the reason for their decline.
The EFF leader’s remarks occur at a time when the ANC’s control over Gauteng, the economic center of South Africa, is particularly precarious. The province has experienced an increase in competition from opposition parties, such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the EFF, which have made substantial progress in provincial and municipal governance. As a result of the recent local government elections, the ANC was compelled to engage in coalition negotiations in order to preserve its influence, as it lost control of critical municipalities.
Malema, whose EFF party is instrumental in these coalition administrations, posited that the ANC’s inability to acknowledge its diminished status is impeding its efficacy in the provinces and municipalities. He criticized the incumbent party for maintaining an air of superiority in governance, despite the fact that it had lost the popular mandate.
Their issue is that they are in denial. Malema emphasized that effective leadership necessitates acknowledging the actuality of the situation. The ANC must recognize that they are no longer invincible. They have forfeited their authority and must now operate as a political party that is endeavoring to regain the confidence of the populace.
The remarks of Malema are indicative of the more extensive changes in the political landscape of South Africa, where coalition politics have become the new standard. The African National Congress (ANC), which was previously the undisputed majority, is now challenged by opposition parties that have acquired traction in critical regions. The EFF has in particular established itself as a kingmaker in numerous municipalities, frequently influencing the balance of power through its coalition partnerships.
The continued rise of coalition politics and the potential further decline of the ANC’s dominance are signaled by Malema’s critique of the ANC’s failure to adapt to its diminished power as South Africa approaches the next national elections.
The ANC has not yet issued a public response to Malema’s remarks; however, analysts anticipate that the party will be required to address its evolving role in South African governance. Malema’s recommendation to rise up each morning and remember that one has forfeited power may prove prophetic as the ANC confronts escalating obstacles.
