By The ANC is all what people know in South Africa since the advent of democracy as the ruling party; it has had six terms at helm of power; but this year the national and provincial elections are tense with uncertainty.
The ANC remains confident and positive that it will win these elections with an outright majority, this is despite the polls showing a decline in support and forecasting a below 50% voter support. The polls show that most of the liberation party’s support is from rural areas.
The Free State has 1 453 797 registered voters expected to cast their ballots today. It would be interesting to see the outcome of the votes, whether the ANC will retain the province or it will enter into a coalition government; or even lose the province entirely. It would be interesting to see new comers like Rise Mzansi and ActionSA in legislature. This will however be a long and nerve wrecking wait for political parties.
The DA is showing signs of growth in the Free State, especially amongst black communities as more and more people are seeking for an alternative either than the ANC.
The ANC fatigue is growing by the day, angry residents are calling for a change and are out saying they will be voting for a better future. The province itself has been a hive of scandals, year in and year out. The infighting within the ruling party has been rife and led to some members finding a home in other parties.
The former Premier of the Free State, Dr Ace Magashule has not done the province and the ANC a favour as well. His term was marred with corruption, maladministration, none compliance and a disregard of regulations. A dark cloud is hanging over his head over the R255 million asbestos matter, and the Gupta linked Vrede Dairy farm project.
The current administration inherited a sick province; roads are full of potholes, sewerage running down the streets. Some towns in the Free State like Brandfort have been without water for years, a numbers of housing projects are incomplete and millions have been spent and contractors have been changed a few times. The unemployment rate is concerningly high; municipalities are not functioning as well with huge debts owed to Eskom and Vaal Central Water.
Recently a service provider attached the assets of Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality in Qwa-qwa because the municipality owes millions to the service providers. According to a reliable source, workers at the municipality have not been receiving their salaries and the offices do not have computers because the services provider had attached them.
Some residents in the province have expressed discontent with the ruling party and that their trust and hearts are somewhere else where they can get help and be heard.
During its campaign, the ANC has shown some serious force and determination to win the elections. It will be interesting to see if the party was able to convince people to vote for them despite the shortcomings over the years.
We now await the results, will it be a coalition? Or will be an ANC government? Or will be a different party provincial government?
