ANC still holds sway going to polls – analyst
With the general elections in less than a year, political parties are ramping up their campaigns and for the African Christian Democratic Party, Cope, DA, and the Freedom Front Plus, a coalition government may be the way to go.
“In Joburg, Tshwane, and Nelson Mandela Bay, we will continue to work hard to ensure that we govern in an open, transparent and people-orientated manner,” DA leader Mmusi Maimane said in Johannesburg yesterday.
“After decades of neglect by ANC administrations, the people of Joburg, Tshwane, and Nelson Mandela Bay can have hope in their governments that are fo- cused on delivering. Where we govern, jobs are created, corruption is eradicated, and services are provided to all.”
Maimane and his coalition partners – UDM president Bantu Holomisa was conspicuous by his absence – may have been polishing the truth a little but his claim that the three local coalition governments passed more than R100 billion in “pro-poor” budgets for the 2018-19 financial year stands.
The passing of the budgets has not been without incident, with the City of Johannesburg nearly being handed on a platter back to the ANC, thanks to the EFF.
But if the coalition group – who will campaign under their own flags for national and provincial elections – are eyeing next year’s elections with a view to forming a national government, the chances may be slim this early in the game.
Political analyst Daniel Silke said: “My own view is that nationally the ANC is likely to survive above 50%, so I don’t think, certainly in 2019, we will be looking at a national coalition government.
“I don’t think the DA support has grown to any great degree and I think while the EFF support may show a very moderate increase, this is relatively small fry in terms of the bigger picture.
“For that reason, and all things being equal and talking 10 months before the election, I think President Cyril Ramaphosa will lose majority support in Gauteng for which there will be a very tough fight,” Silke added.