Sameera Casmod | sameerc@radioislam.co.za
18 September 2024 | 13:29 p.m. SAST
2-minute read

The 11 September municipal by-election results have prompted the view that the public is losing confidence in the three parties because of their outdated ideas. This, in turn, has translated into more support for the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).

Dr Shangase, a senior lecturer in political studies and international relations at North-West University, said that any good work that is done under the Government of National Unity (GNU) will appear to be positive changes brought about by coalition partners- particularly the DA and IFP- and not the ANC.

The reason: all the failings of the past three decades have been attributed to the ANC.

The result: an improved perception of (and increased support for) the DA and IFP.

Meanwhile, the reason for the Economic Freedom Front’s (EFF) poor performance in the by-election is seen as more than just its Deputy President Floyd Shivambu’s departure from the party to join the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP). Dr Shangase views the move as an easy one, considering the perception of the MKP as a good symbol, particularly among the black population.

The three parties have been cut from the same ANC cloth and therefore share the same DNA and the same ideological outlook as regards the National Democratic Revolution and Freedom Charter, Dr Shangase said.

“With that being said, I’m also saying that all of these negative attitudes that are associated with the ANC majority rule over the past 30 years, they are very much likely to rub off onto these parties that come from the ANC,” Dr Shangase observed.

The instability within the MKP could well have resulted in its poor performance in the by-election when compared to its success in the May 29 general election.

The party’s volatility stems from its surprise establishment by former President Jacob Zuma, who announced its inception only 5 months ahead of the 2024 election.

“He came in as a mere supporter of the MK party. And then later, he sort of usurped MKP and it became his own establishment or formation -serendipitously, because Jacob Zuma himself has got some gravitas as a former president, and as a person who is regarded as a quintessential native by the broader population,” Dr Shangase said.

The results of the municipal by-elections held last week as per a report from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) indicated that the DA retained sixteen of its seats while the ANC retained four. Al Jama-ah and IFP both retained a seat each and the MKP won one.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.