Northern Cape Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson Dr Zamani Saul says South Africa’s development is directly linked to the strength, stability, and organisation of the African National Congress.
“A strong, stable, well-organised, well-managed, and ideologically inclined ANC is good for South Africa. The future of our country is intrinsically linked to the state of the ANC,” he said.
Saul’s statement comes ahead of the 2026 local government elections, which will be a key test of political support across municipalities.
His comments follow warnings from former president Thabo Mbeki, who said that the collapse of the ANC would leave the country ungovernable.
”If the ANC collapsed and ceased to exist tomorrow, the country would become ungovernable.”
Mbeki stressed that the party has a responsibility to “sort itself out” and continue playing its historic role for the nation.
”It’s too big to fail. And therefore, that’s why I’m saying comrades, the ANC owes it to the nation, to the country. To sort itself out.”
Saul said, “Former President Thabo Mbeki is 200% correct here.”
He added that despite the challenges confronting the ANC, the party has maintained ideological and strategic consistency, with a focus on social democracy, pro-poor policies, and a mixed economy.
“A weak ANC is honestly not in the best interest of South Africa. We must grow and strengthen our organisation so that it continues to fulfil its role in the nation,” Saul said.
He also criticised the main opposition parties, saying they are in a state of disarray.
He said the Democratic Alliance (DA), the country’s second-largest party, is increasingly moving toward the far right, appealing to white voters alongside the Freedom Front Plus while opposing policies to empower previously disadvantaged communities.
He added that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) are “both an amorphous mess, caused by ideological flux and cheap populist postures, dominated by personality cults.
”What matters to these parties depends solely on what the leader says and remembers. Both their constitutions and strategic goals are subordinate to the leader’s whims, not the organisation,” Saul said.
He said a strong, stable, and ideologically committed ANC is essential not just for the party, but for the country as a whole.
“The development of South Africa is directly linked to the state of the ANC.
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Hope Ntanzi
iol.co.za
