Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has made a bold prediction about the African National Congress (ANC), asserting that the party will elect a president strongly opposed to the Government of National Unity (GNU) at its 2027 elective conference.
Speaking during a recent media briefing, Malema pointed to growing internal dissatisfaction within the ANC as a catalyst for this anticipated shift in leadership. He attributed the discontent to frustrations over the current GNU arrangement, which involves the ANC collaborating with opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Malema described the GNU as a “marriage of convenience,” arguing that it undermines the ANC’s historic mission of championing the poor. He claimed that the compromises made to include other parties—particularly the DA, which he accused of prioritizing corporate interests—have alienated the ANC’s traditional supporters.
2027: A Turning Point?
According to Malema, ANC members and grassroots supporters will eventually reject the GNU’s “sell-out” nature, paving the way for the election of a leader who adheres to the party’s traditional values.
“The rank and file of the ANC will rebel against this arrangement,” Malema said, predicting that the 2027 elective conference will mark a return to the party’s foundational principles.
The GNU was established after the 2024 general elections, in which no party secured an outright majority. In a bid to maintain governance, the ANC, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, entered coalition agreements with opposition parties, including the DA. However, this partnership has faced resistance from ANC factions, the tripartite alliance, and opposition parties like the EFF.
Mounting Tensions and Instability
Malema warned that policy disagreements within the GNU would likely escalate, further alienating the ANC’s grassroots supporters. He emphasized that the party’s survival beyond 2027 hinges on its ability to distance itself from the coalition and reconnect with its traditional base.
While some ANC insiders have dismissed Malema’s claims as speculative, they acknowledge increasing tensions within the party over the GNU. Analysts suggest that the outcome of the 2027 conference could significantly alter South Africa’s political landscape.
Broader Implications for the ANC and South Africa
Malema’s remarks reflect the broader struggles within the ANC, highlighting challenges such as internal divisions, pressure from grassroots movements, and the compromises inherent in coalition politics.
As debates around the GNU continue, Malema’s forecast raises pressing questions about the sustainability of coalition governance and the future trajectory of the ANC. Will the party adapt to a new political reality, or will it seek to reclaim its independence and reassert its dominance in South African politics?
The ANC’s response to these challenges in the coming years could redefine the nation’s political landscape heading into the 2027 elections and beyond.
