Siva Naidoo
THE struggle against apartheid was a collective effort involving various liberation movements, with the African National Congress (ANC) being the oldest and most prominent.
Once a unifying force, the ANC enjoyed widespread support from diverse communities. The Freedom Charter, adopted at the Congress of the People (COP) in Kliptown on 26 June 1955, became a blueprint for a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa. It articulated the aspirations of the majority, declaring that South Africa belongs to all who live in it.
This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, providing an opportunity to reflect on the ANC’s evolution since it assumed power in 1994. While the Charter remains a beacon of hope, the ANC’s ability to uphold its principles has waned, raising questions about its future relevance.
Mass Mobilisation and the Power of the People
The ANC’s historical strength lies in its ability to mobilise, organise, and conscientise communities at the grassroots level. The Freedom Charter was not imposed from above but emerged from a nationwide consultation process, making it a truly people-driven document. It galvanised support across racial, class, and cultural divides, embodying the principle that “the people shall govern.” This ethos of active public participation was central to the ANC’s identity and success.
Post-1994: Losing the Mobilising Capacity
After 1994, the ANC’s focus shifted from resistance to governance. While this transition was necessary, it came at a cost. The party’s grassroots connections weakened as it prioritised building state institutions and bureaucracy. Many activists and leaders were absorbed into public administration, distancing the ANC from its working-class base. Over time, the party became increasingly reliant on state power rather than mass mobilisation, leading to a decline in its organic connection with communities.
The trappings of power, coupled with factional battles and corruption, further alienated the ANC from its supporters. Communities, once the lifeblood of the movement, were left feeling neglected and disillusioned. This erosion of trust has had lasting consequences for the ANC’s credibility and effectiveness.
Renewing the ANC: A Return to Its Roots
For the ANC to regain its relevance, it must return to the values and principles that defined it during the struggle against apartheid. This renewal requires a commitment to ethical leadership, anti-corruption measures, and a genuine reconnection with its support base. The party must act swiftly to restore trust and demonstrate that it remains a movement of the people.
Rebuilding the Grassroots Connection
To remain credible, the ANC must reaffirm its commitment to serving the poor, vulnerable, and marginalised in one of the world’s most unequal societies. This requires more than electioneering; it demands sustained, sincere engagement with ordinary people. Communities must be seen as active participants in shaping their futures, not merely as voting banks.
The ANC must reclaim its role as an enabler of change, empowering communities to improve their lives. By doing so, it can restore its position as a leader of society, rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people.
Restoring non-racialism
South Africa’s non-racial project is under threat, with rising racial tensions and the emergence of identity politics. Organisations like AfriForum, which seek to protect white Afrikaner interests, have drawn global attention to the country’s racial divisions. These developments highlight the urgent need for the ANC to recommit to non-racialism and ensure that all South Africans feel included in its vision for the future.
Rebuilding the ANC’s non-racial character requires deliberate efforts to address racism and promote social cohesion. The party must lead by example, fostering unity and inclusivity in both its policies and practices.
Reaffirming the Freedom Charter’s Vision
The Freedom Charter remains a timeless document, addressing fundamental issues such as land reform, economic justice, human dignity, and equality. For the ANC to renew itself, it must internalise and translate these principles into actionable plans. Policies must be shaped by the needs of the majority, not the interests of a privileged elite.
By aligning its agenda with the Charter’s vision, the ANC can demonstrate its commitment to transformative change. This requires bold leadership and a willingness to prioritise the common good over narrow political interests.
Renewing Leadership and Accountability
The ANC’s leadership must be rooted in the communities it serves, rather than being appointed through patronage or factional loyalty. Leaders must be accountable not only to the party’s structures but also to the people. A proven track record of community service should be a prerequisite for leadership positions.
Strengthening internal democracy is essential to combat corruption and ensure that leaders are chosen based on merit and commitment to the ANC’s values. This will help restore trust and credibility in the party’s leadership.
Is the ANC Capable of Renewal?
The ANC has the potential to renew itself, but only if it is willing to undertake the difficult work of reconnecting with the people. History shows that the party can revive itself when it listens to the masses and remains true to its principles. However, this requires rooting out corruption, cronyism, and factionalism.
The ANC stands at a crossroads. It can continue on a path of decline, or it can choose renewal by becoming a movement of the people once again. The choice it makes will determine its future and, by extension, the future of South Africa.
Siva Naidoo is an activist formerly from Tongaat, KwaZulu Natal. He is the Training Coordinator of Ubuntu Human Values Advocacy Group.