Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za

10 September 2026

3-minute read

Founder of Corruption Watch David Lewis pens in an article that the liberation movement is struggling as the ANC’s political transition falters.

Speaking to Ml Junaid Kharsany, Lewis points out that although the ANC is still the largest party in the country, they are struggling with candidate registration for the upcoming local government elections. Comparing the party to ancient Baobabs in the Kruger National Park where old elephants go to die, he says that the party urgently needs to revive itself through a stable coalition that can govern with consistency, before it succumbs to the same fate.

With elections taking place in 8-weeks-time, the ANC is the only party that has not as yet announced its mayoral candidates. While it may be a difficult choice for the ANC to coalesce with the DA, it may be the only choice that offers hope and quells party infighting. Lewis indicates that the country should not be celebrating the demise of the ANC but should rather celebrate the stable governance at every level that can only be achieved with a coalition.

Dancing to the theme of factionalism within the party, due mostly to access to resources and power has added to its woes, Lewis mentions, especially when it comes to the idea of making the ANC itself a safer and more effective institution. He suggests looking at the party with great discernment and whittling away members who bring disrepute to the party and only leaving the “quality candidates” to stand.

Having led the country for 30 years, every institution in South Africa has been touched in some way by the ANC, often for the better in the years immediately after democracy, and sometimes for the worse, especially in recent years. While the ANC seems to have its hand in the decline of every sector, from NSFAS to the police force, they are also responsible in the rise of many of these organizations, like the social grant system.

Lewis is certain that corrupt candidates from the ANC “will leave of their own accord” once they realize that they no longer have access to government and state resources. “Accept that your party will be a trimmed-down, slimmed-down party,” but ensure that it will be a qualitative and honest party committed to public service, he emphasizes.

In many metros, the ANC and the DA are the largest parties, and Lewis feels that they should put aside their differences, share power and put their heads together to lead the country into the next four to five years of stable governance with people who have integrity at the helm.

Listen to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and David Lewis here.