ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula acknowledged that former President Jacob Zuma’s new political party significantly impacted the ANC’s performance in the recent elections. Mbalula noted that Zuma’s influence, particularly in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal, drew substantial support away from the ANC.
“Zuma has always been an important factor for us in KwaZulu-Natal,” Mbalula said. “When he formed his political party, we knew that he would take numbers from us. Yes, Zuma did cost us the majority.”
This admission highlights the internal challenges faced by the ANC, which has long relied on strong regional support bases to maintain its majority. Zuma’s departure and the formation of his new party have fragmented the vote, complicating the ANC’s efforts to retain dominance in key areas.
The ANC’s struggle to hold onto its traditional supporters in the face of new political dynamics underscores the shifting landscape of South African politics.
