Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
24 June 2025 | 11:45 CAT

📸 ANC Bounces Back in Polls, But Only Bold Action Will Secure Voter Confidence.

A recent shift in public opinion has seen the ANC regain lost ground in national polls, with support rising from 32% in February to 40% by June. This comes after a volatile few months in which public reaction to key government decisions, particularly around tax policy has caused a stir among voters.

According to Researcher Gabriel Makin, “The February dip was largely due to a significant portion of voters, around 15% being unallocated to any party. That’s a first for our polling models.” The stagnation during that period pointed to rising dissatisfaction and indecision, particularly around the ANC’s unpopular VAT hike.

Makin explains that the key turning point in public sentiment was political conflict, specifically the ANC’s defense of the VAT increase and the DA’s rejection of it. “The DA gained traction by opposing the VAT hike, pushing its support above 30% at one point,” he notes. “Meanwhile, the ANC saw its support fall dangerously close to the 30% threshold.”

But as the VAT debate quieted and inter-party clashes subdued, voter alignment reverted. “In the absence of conflict, the ANC settled back at 40% and the DA to 26%, roughly aligning with their previous election results,” Makin said. “It’s a strong message to strategists: passive governance and lack of clear opposition don’t shift voter loyalty.”

Meanwhile, the EFF has seen a significant decline in support. Makin attributes this to a lack of visible progress. “After 15 years, if your biggest achievement is one Constitutional Court ruling, and your presence has amounted to more bark than bite, then voters will move on, especially when new, ‘hot and fresh’ options like MK emerge.”

Analysts suggest the lesson is clear: to influence change, parties must act decisively. “If the ANC wants to grow, it must actively improve people’s lives,” Makin advised. “If the DA wants to challenge the ANC, it must force them into public positions on unpopular policies.”

With the GNU in place, voters may appreciate cooperation, but only if it delivers real, tangible results. Makin warns: “Stability without progress is just inertia. And political inertia won’t win the next election.”

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Researcher Gabriel Makin.