The ANC's New Reality: Navigating the Challenges of a Government of National Unity

By Mpho Dube

The African National Congress (ANC) has entered a new era, one where it must navigate the complexities of a Government of National Unity (GNU) with its longtime rival, the Democratic Alliance (DA), and other smaller parties.

This development comes after the ANC lost its majority vote in the recent elections, forcing it to form alliances and compromises to remain in power.

As President Cyril Ramaphosa leads the GNU, the ANC faces significant challenges.

The party must balance its own interests with those of its coalition partners, all while maintaining its commitment to good governance and accountability. This will require a shift in mindset, from a party that has grown accustomed to wielding sole power to one that must collaborate and negotiate with others.

Nelson Mandela, the ANC's iconic leader, once said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." The ANC's current situation is a test of its ability to rise to the challenge and adapt to new circumstances.

The ANC's internal dynamics will also be put to the test. The party's factions, which have long been a source of tension, will need to find common ground and work towards a unified vision for the GNU. This will be no easy feat, especially given the ANC's history of infighting and power struggles.

Oliver Tambo, one of the ANC's founding fathers, emphasized the importance of collective leadership and accountability. "The ANC is a disciplined force with a collective leadership," he said. "We must ensure that our structures serve the party's interests and values." The ANC will need to return to its roots of collective leadership and accountability if it is to succeed in the GNU.

One of the biggest challenges facing the ANC is the need to prioritize good governance over political patronage. In the past, the party has often prioritized loyalty and patronage over accountability and transparency. However, in a GNU, the ANC will need to demonstrate its commitment to clean governance and uncorruptable leadership.

Steve Biko, a key figure in the Black Consciousness Movement, said, "Black consciousness is an attitude of mind, a way of life." The ANC needs to rediscover its attitude of mind and way of life that defined its struggle against apartheid. It's time for the party to reflect on its values and principles and to find a new path forward that prioritizes the interests of the nation and its people.

Good governance is critical to the success of the GNU. The ANC will need to prioritize accountability, transparency, and clean audits to demonstrate its commitment to good governance. This will require a shift in mindset, from a party that has often prioritized loyalty and patronage to one that prioritizes accountability and transparency.

As Mandela said, "A fundamental concern of all of us should be to rid our society of the terrible scourge of corruption." The ANC's commitment to accountability and transparency will be critical in building trust with the South African people and demonstrating its commitment to good governance.

The DA, as a key coalition partner, will likely push for greater transparency and accountability, which could lead to tensions between the two parties. The ANC will need to navigate these tensions carefully, balancing its own interests with the need to deliver on its promises to the South African people.

The DA's involvement in the GNU will also provide an opportunity for the ANC to learn from its coalition partner's experiences and approaches to governance. By working together, the two parties can find common ground and deliver on promises to the South African people.

The ANC's future depends on its ability to adapt to the challenges of the GNU and prioritize good governance and accountability. The party will need to find a way to balance its own interests with those of its coalition partners, all while maintaining its commitment to the South African people.

As Tambo said, "The ANC is a symbol of hope and freedom. We must ensure that our actions reflect our values and principles." The ANC's actions in the GNU will be critical in determining its future and its ability to deliver on its promises to the South African people.

While renewal is often touted as a key aspect of the ANC's future, it's essential to note that renewal is not a discipline that can be measured. However, good governance is a measurable outcome that can be achieved through a commitment to accountability, transparency, and clean audits.

The ANC's focus should be on delivering tangible results and demonstrating its commitment to good governance, rather than simply pursuing renewal for its own sake. By prioritizing good governance, the ANC can build trust with the South African people and demonstrate its commitment to delivering on its promises.

 Mpho Dube is The Editor in Chief, Founder and Publisher of The Azanian online national and international publication. He also won three national awards for The Caxton/The Citizen. He was also endorsed to serve at the Pan African Parliament (PAP).