You can Cope but cannot hide from the irrefutable ANC political power

It must be tough for those who think the ANC is falling apart or is losing support. This is because of the recent publishing of a Plus 94 Research finding that says if people were to vote NOW, it is most likely to get 74% of decided voters; 84% of these are black, 15% white and 40% coloured.

Ironically, the emergence of the rival Congress of the People (Cope) seems to have rejuvenated the smug and complacent ANC. As never before, the ruling party is taking stock of itself, dealing with the inherent challenges of immorality, corruption, rivalry, ill-discipline and competition in its own ranks.

For the first time in 15 years in power, the oldest liberation movement faces the allegations of risk of failing to satisfy the aspirations and hopes of the people.
But the research says the African majority still regards the ANC as the primary vehicle for transformation, fighting poverty and unemployment and providing a better quality of life. This must be a devastating blow to those who had convinced themselves that the beginning of the end for the ANC is nigh.

Plus 94 Research chief executive, Sifiso Falala said “the ANC appears to be encoded in the genes of the African people.” But nobody should be fooled by the assertion that the ruling party has full control over the destiny of this country. Of course, there are some folks who still try to blink their eyes, run away from the facts and convince themselves that things are not the same in the ANC since Nelson Mandela quit. But others paraphrase the researcher to say they may run away from the organisation but there is no place to hide.

The aspirations and hopes of what still needs to be done stretch far and wide: Aids, housing, education, poverty, unemployment, money and a better life for all. Everybody is acutely aware that not even half the job has been done in the last 15 years.

Mostly, the feeling on the ground is that the leadership deserves more time if not a second chance.

Of all the changes in the country, the change of the guard has been the messiest. It has been characterised by personal loyalties, vindictiveness, clashes and conflicts that are devoid of principled disagreement.

Essentially, the ANC itself has remained the same. It is the choice and or preference of WHO should lead the implementation of the Freedom Charter, for instance, that has been a source of disagreement. Bound by a history of almost 100 years of the ANC and just over 50 years of its premier document, the people are still determined to rely on the ruling party to make their dreams come through. This is a very controversial development in modern political history.

Over the last few months everybody with a mind of their own have aligned themselves with the yet to be launched new party which was supposed to blow the ANC away. But it remains to be seen what serious challenge this is going to pose. In many cities around the country people have already chosen who they are going to vote for.

The research says the ANC is on everybody’s tongue and what is going on with some dissidents is not going to influence them in any way. Of course, research is mere speculation and the show is not over until IEC chairperson, Brigalia Bam, announces the results some time in March.

Much can happen between now and the ides of March!

Tomorrow we may find another research report that speaks favourably of Helen Zille’s Democratic Alliance, which claims to have turned over a new leaf.

In the next few weeks we will know more about the policies and programmes of the yet to be launched party that “experts” say is gaining momentum.

As for the ANC, it would seem this hiccup has helped it to become clearer about what the majority expects and what it should be doing.

In a pub the other day, I heard some fellow remark that the research finding was correct:
“ANC is the political genes of people.” And, of course, nobody knows whether he is right or wrong until the people have voted.

Just beware the Ides of March!