Lessons from the elections

ADAPT OR DIE: PARTIES AT THE CROSSROADS

Various parties’ weaknesses were exposed, highlighting their disconnect from the people they assumed supported them.

The many South Africans who did not vote demonstrates an increasing indifference to politicians and their empty promises. South Africa is desperate for leadership that will rebuild the economy and society and that is aware that progress, jobs, a stable labour market and modernisation are essential. A leadership that realises it must encourage investment to achieve economic growth.

The coinciding decline of the ANC and the Democratic Alliance (DA), contrasted with the below-expectations growth of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), are unsurprising developments with far-reaching, unique consequences for each.

ANC: shaken, but will it be stirred?

The ANC’s support is waning. It’s proving to be devoid of freshness, with leaders who have been in politics for so long they may be reluctant to envision change. The party must undergo a makeover of its leaders and change the perceptions they’ve created. If a credible, attractive opposition emerged, its hold on power would fail. Its biggest hurdle is itself. Will this victory bring about real change or the illusion of it?

There’s no doubt DA leader Mmusi Maimane’s political career is now on a knife’s edge. The DA’s poor showing will have his opponents calling for his head. Does he still have enough support internally to withstand the challenge?

These elections have shown that having a black man in charge doesn’t translate into resonance with black voters. The DA’s crisis may not be as apparent as that of the ANC, but it’s similarly struggling to contemplate change. Worse, it’s riddled with the fear that it might alienate its white supporters.

Social media versus real life

We tend to forget the enthusiasm and political cult of youth doesn’t offer value for voters. Populism in the age of social media doesn’t mean the same in real life. However, the youth bring energy and willingness to ignite change.

For some, the EFF’s growth is underwhelming because it hasn’t given the party the coveted kingmaker’s role. Its leader, Julius Malema commands attention. That’s partly because he embodies the essence of a Machiavellian politician – cunning and adaptable with the ability to survive.

The elections showed the red party will have to come up with a new approach. Its change in direction must reflect the challenges faced by a society in an ever-changing globalised economy. Although appearing to make the right noises, voters denied the EFF that 15%. Was it a case of dislike, distrust or low turnout?

Political parties must adapt or reinvent themselves or they’ll find little or no support from SA’s dynamic populace. The elections also exposed the political parties’ weaknesses and disconnect from many they assumed supported them.