Veterans of the African National Congress (ANC) have issued a stern warning to the party’s leadership, calling for urgent reforms to prevent further political and electoral decline. The veterans, many of whom were pivotal figures during the anti-apartheid struggle, expressed concerns over the ANC’s current path, highlighting corruption, internal divisions, and a growing loss of public trust as critical challenges.
Following a meeting in Johannesburg, the veterans released a statement emphasizing that the ANC risks losing its historical significance if it does not renew itself. “The party that once led South Africa to freedom is now at a crossroads. The current leadership must urgently reconnect with the people and its founding values or face political irrelevance,” one veteran cautioned.
Since taking power in 1994, the ANC has seen its support wane, particularly over the past decade. The party’s performance in the 2024 national elections was its worst on record, with many attributing the decline to ongoing corruption scandals, poor governance, and factional infighting. The veterans argue that unless decisive action is taken, the ANC will continue to lose ground in upcoming elections.
“The public is losing faith in the ANC’s ability to govern,” another veteran stated. They stressed that the party needs to refocus on ethical leadership and addressing the needs of ordinary citizens, particularly in areas like service delivery and economic inequality. The veterans called for stronger measures against corruption within the party, insisting that ethical governance must take precedence if the ANC hopes to restore its credibility.
With the 2026 municipal elections looming, the veterans underscored the urgency of the situation. They warned that if the party continues to ignore these critical issues, it could face further losses and potentially be ousted from power in key regions.
Although ANC leadership has acknowledged the need for renewal, it remains uncertain whether substantial reforms will be implemented before the next elections. The veterans remain hopeful that the party can reverse its fortunes but emphasize that immediate, concrete action is necessary to avoid further decline and preserve the party’s legacy.