The ANC is the oldest liberation movement against colonialism in Africa and led South Africa to transition from white minority rule to democracy after it was lifted in 1990. .
Its leader and icon of struggle, Nelson Mandela, became the country’s first democratically elected president in 1994 after serving 27 years in prison alongside other ANC leaders for his activism. against their racism.
The celebration comes amid a decline in party support for the election due to rising levels of poverty and unemployment, a failure to provide basic services to poor communities and a lack of economic growth. .
The party’s image as a liberation movement fighting black oppression in the country has also been dented by widespread revelations of corruption among party leaders and political officials. government.
South Africa is also facing an electricity crisis, which sometimes leaves households and businesses without power for more than eight hours a day.
In 1994, the ANC received just over 62% of the vote nationally, securing a majority of seats in the country’s first democratic parliament.
In 2019, however, the party’s support fell to 53% of the vote nationally, its worst electoral performance ever since the party came to power. rights in 1994.
It has also lost political control over major cities including Johannesburg; Tshwane, including the capital, Pretoria; and Nelson Mandela Bay.
It is expected to face a tough national election in 2024, with analysts and pollsters suggesting it will struggle to win more than 50% of the vote. nationwide.
