As South Africans joyfully await May 29 to cast their national and provincial vote, the speculations of the next reality continue to widen. Perhaps these are the most contested elections since 1994 as the African National Congress (ANC) is predicted to lose majority for the first time in our democracy. Thus far South Africans have heard the promises and strategies of the three biggest parties in parliament. The voting registration has officially closed, and the process now gears up for the deadline day. As stated, speculations continue to widen as to what the outcome of the elections we may see.
Most polls, political analysts, and political parties seem to be on consensus on one thing, that is, the ruling party losing it majority. This prediction is perhaps due to the increasing issues of load shedding, unemployment, inequality, and safety which the country continues to struggle with. Poor service delivery and corruption is rather the main culprits in the fall of the ANC, has some experts state. However, in 57 days this may or may not be the outcome. Maybe the ANC will sustain it majority and continue to rule the country or, they can lose their majority and be forced to be in coalition with smaller political parties. This may see South Africans experience policy changes has a “new type of government” may emerge.
Another predicted reality which may settle post May 29 is that the Multi-Party Charter coalition achieve it aim of un-sitting the ANC. Which overlaps to a predicted reality of the Democratic Alliance (DA) increasing its 20% share of the voter roll. The ground arguments with this prediction are that the DA has a record of good governance in the city of Cape Town and that we could see this at national level. But counter to this is the increase in Cape gang wars, and poor services delivery in black majority townships like Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Phillipy and others. Nevertheless, a reality which may prevail in 57 days is that the day can increase it 20% share and settle a coalition with the ANC and form a neoliberal administration. This would make them a majority in parliament outvoting other parties. The DA can also be stagnant or decline. Some citizens are still concerned with the DA being a replica of the apartheid National Party (NP) and they rather opt to vote for black political party. The coloured community has also found a new home in Gayton McKenzie Patriotic Alliance (PA) party.
Another new reality which has been predicted is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) increasing their 10% share of the voter roll. This would see a rise of a left political party to influence government polices in our young democracy. With no clear government record but achievements, the EFF has been able to position themselves has a party that is ready for government and can achieve it cardinal pillars which includes land expropriation through the constitution. The criticism in the EFF has been with CIC Julius Malema, the leader. Some have characterized him as a politician that can say the right and wrong things, however, assumed to have competence of governance and leadership. Some have questioned the way of life of the party’s MP’s which proves contradictory to the ideology of socialism which they champion. Despites this, in 57 days we might see the rise of the EFF to influence government policy or their fall due to failure of convincing the voter to put the cross next to your party name.
The wider prediction in the election battleground is the rise of the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party campaigned for by former state and ANC president Jacob Zuma. Widely based in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the party has emerged in the race, and they are covering grounds in KZN. What we could see in this highly contested province is an infant party like the MK rising to partial governance in KZN and the former president back in parliament. All this could materialize in 57 days from today. Moreover, we could witness a rise in liberal parties like Rise Mzansi, Build One South Africa (BOSA), ActionSA, and others. These political parties may achieve their desire and be members of parliament or extend their seats in the next 5-year parliament. However, some have called these party as attempts to fragment the black votes, preventing majority rule and forcing coalition.
What remains not a prediction in what will happen in the next 57 days is who will paint the true picture of reality. It is the South Africans that bear the task of critically deciding their future, especially in these uncertain times. Students have the responsibility to revisit theory, check current status quo and reality, then critically decide where to put that cross. The working class have the responsibility of electing a government that would better them and one that ensures their future and that of their offspring. It also no longer a prediction that a brand-new future awaits South Africans in 57 days.
-MediaHouse150
