ANC vs EFF: The revolution devours it’s own children…or not

South Africa is voting on the 8th of May, in what many are calling a landmark election. The most fascinating rivalry is between the African National Congress. (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters. (EFF are the two parties fighting for the soul of the black voters.

The African National Congress (ANC) is South Africa’s biggest and oldest party on the ballot. They are expected to win, what pundits are not sure about, is by how much will they win. The ANC is South Africa’s liberation party and has enjoyed majority support since independence. That support waned substantially during President Jacob Zuma’s term. The last major election held during Jacob Zuma’s term saw the ANC’s support among the electorate drop to 54%, the lowest level of votes since independence.

Cyril Ramaphosa is the man tasked with lifting the ANC from the doldrums. He was elevated to Vice President during Jacob Zuma’s second term. He ultimately took the presidency when Jacob Zuma was asked by the ANC to retire before his term had expired. Since taking over as head of the ANC, Cyril Ramaphosa has made bold moves against corruption and most notably took a huge step towards land reform. Land reform was a signature policy of the EFF.

The election season has brought some business opportunities for a lot of entrepreneurs. South Africas’s attention has largely been on big corporates like Eskom, mines and banks but small businesses are hoping for less regulation and better funding. Can Ramaphosa understand their plight, considering he’s said to have built his business empire using his political clout rather than business acumen.

The EFF is a party birthed from the ANC itself. It was formed after Julius Malema was expelled from the ANC Youth League. His firebrand politics has touched a raw nerve among South Africans who have lost faith in the ANC. It is hugely popular among the youth who are frustrated by the lack of job opportunities. Despite being born from the ANC party and it’s ideals, the EFF sees it’s existence as the death of the ANC. Young protesters are carrying the makeshift coffin of the ANC through the stadium.

Although the ANC has tried to shed it’s bad record of corruption and mismanagement, the EFF has made it a point that voters do not forget. Cyril Ramaphosa ’ s own scandalised Marikana involvement is emblematic of how the ANC’s leadership has disappointed the people they represent. All of the top 6 ANC leaders have come short of expectations when it comes to protecting the ordinary man. The mannequin on the right has former President Zuma’s name on its lower back.

The ANC needs a strong showing at the polls to register confidence in its new leadership. Which is likely, considering that the ANC has the best grassroots support and structures. If they can get substantially more than 54% of the votes then Cyril Ramaphosa can claim it as a victory. The EFF has had a remarkable growth trajectory since its inception. Most parties are losing votes and it has been on an enviable run. They need to beat their last tally of 8% in the last major election to continue their winning streak. South Africa waits, with bated breath.

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Written by. Sipho Sebele

Images were provided by Ntuthuko, he can be reached on ntuthukompofu@gmail.com