The ANC’s Struggle: A Crisis of Trust, Leadership, and Public Perception
The African National Congress (ANC) has long been the dominant political force in South Africa, but recent events have cast a shadow over its future.

The party, which once filled stadiums with supporters, now finds itself struggling to fill seats at its own celebrations.

At the ANC’s January 8th anniversary event in Morolang Stadium, more than half of the 20,000 seats remained empty, a stark contrast to past rallies.

This was not an isolated incident but part of a growing trend that raises serious questions about the party’s relevance and future.

Empty Stadiums: A Symbol of Declining Support
The sight of rows of empty seats at the ANC’s own event was shocking.

The community’s once-passionate support for the party now appears to be fading.

Journalists and political analysts alike were stunned by the visuals, which showed scattered and distracted attendees, making it evident that the ANC was struggling to mobilize its base.

The optics of a leader addressing a crowd of mostly empty seats sent a clear message: the party’s influence is waning.

Social media was quick to react, with many questioning where the ANC’s support had gone.

While some pointed to internal divisions within the party, others cited the growing disillusionment over corruption allegations and failures in service delivery.

The empty seats spoke volumes about the ANC’s declining appeal, and the question on everyone’s mind is simple: What happened to the party that once inspired such passion?
The Role of Corruption Allegations and Funding Issues
Behind the empty stadiums lies a much bigger story involving corruption, financial scandals, and a weakening of public trust.

The ANC has been dogged by accusations of mismanagement, with allegations that businesspeople, such as Vousimi Kat Matlala, have funneled money to the party through intermediaries.

Matlala, who appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee, revealed that he had funded ANC events, flights, accommodation, and logistics for key supporters, amounting to significant sums of money.

The party’s dependence on private donations to fund its operations raises red flags.

Matlala is not just any businessman—his companies were allegedly linked to massive SAPS contracts worth millions of rand.

This highlights the blurred line between political influence and business interests, where private deals intersect with public governance, further eroding public trust.

The optics of a party receiving funding from controversial businessmen while struggling with internal financial problems only add to the perception of a party in decline.

With public trust eroding, the ANC is finding it increasingly difficult to mobilize its grassroots supporters, who are fed up with corruption scandals and unmet promises.

Service Delivery Failures and Economic Stagnation
The ANC’s struggles are not just about funding.

South Africans are facing a range of economic challenges, including high unemployment, inadequate service delivery, and slow infrastructure development.

In his address, President Ramaphosa openly acknowledged the party’s failures in governance and economic growth.

He admitted that the ANC must do better, but this has done little to restore confidence among the public.

For many South Africans, the ANC’s promises have repeatedly fallen short.

The government’s failure to deliver on essential services like electricity, water, and jobs has left a significant portion of the population frustrated and disillusioned.

These challenges, combined with the party’s internal divisions, make it difficult for the ANC to present a coherent message and connect with voters.

Even the party’s own youth have expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership’s handling of the country’s issues.

In a controversial statement, ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe suggested that unemployed young people were too passive and should take responsibility for their own job search efforts.

This tone-deaf remark sparked outrage, especially among young South Africans struggling to find work in a sluggish economy.

Political Backlash and Internal Discontent
Mantashe’s comments were widely criticized, even by members of his own party.

ANC Youth League President Collen Malachi called out the lack of understanding from senior leadership, emphasizing that young people are doing everything they can to find employment in a system that continues to fail them.

This public backlash has further tarnished the ANC’s image, as the party struggles to maintain its relevance in the eyes of the public.

The ANC’s inability to connect with ordinary South Africans is becoming more apparent.

As unemployment continues to rise and economic inequality deepens, many voters are questioning why they should continue to support a party that has been in power for decades but has failed to deliver on its promises.

This disillusionment is reflected in the declining turnout at ANC rallies and the growing support for opposition parties.

Ramaphosa’s Admissions and Public Discontent
President Ramaphosa’s recent comments acknowledging the ANC’s failures in governance and service delivery are not enough to repair the damage done.

While it is important for leaders to admit shortcomings, the public has grown tired of promises without action.

Many are questioning whether the ANC can truly recover from the scandals, corruption, and poor service delivery that have plagued the party in recent years.

In his speech, Ramaphosa admitted that the party must focus on addressing its weaknesses and delivering for the people.

However, this comes at a time when the ANC’s credibility is at an all-time low, and the party’s failure to tackle corruption and improve governance has left many voters feeling abandoned.

The lack of tangible results from the ANC’s leadership has created a sense of political fatigue among the electorate, with many wondering if the party is still capable of leading South Africa to a better future.

The Future of the ANC: Can It Reconnect with Voters?
The ANC’s challenges are mounting as the 2026 municipal elections draw closer.

Empty stadiums, financial scandals, and a lack of faith in leadership are all contributing to the party’s decline.

South Africans are increasingly questioning whether the ANC is still in touch with their needs and whether it can continue to serve as the dominant political force in the country.

For the ANC to remain relevant, it will need to rebuild trust with its supporters and prove that it can deliver on its promises.

This will require addressing corruption, improving service delivery, and creating economic opportunities for the millions of South Africans who have been left behind.

If the ANC cannot address these issues, it risks losing even more support and becoming irrelevant in the eyes of the public.

As the political landscape in South Africa continues to evolve, the ANC faces a critical juncture.

The party must find a way to reconnect with its base, address its internal divisions, and rebuild its credibility.

If it fails to do so, it could lose its position as the dominant force in South African politics, paving the way for a new political era.