The ANC has traditionally relied on door-to-door campaigns as a core feature of its election strategy in South Africa. However, with trust and credibility at an all-time low, it is unlikely to sway voters in Johannesburg. The party's message has been hollow for many residents who have not seen adequate and sustainable results despite years of promises. This has led to skepticism about the party's ability to deliver on its commitments.
One of the major challenges facing the ANC in Joburg is the poor state of infrastructure, particularly in the northern suburbs. Residents have been complaining about poor roads and stormwater infrastructure for years, and the party's promise to fix these issues is met with skepticism. The Johannesburg Roads Agency's capital expenditure budget of roughly R570m is seen as inadequate, and the city's total infrastructure investment has fallen by about 50% compared to a decade ago.
The ANC's struggles are not limited to the northern suburbs. In township zones and informal settlements like Braamfischerville, unemployment rates are extremely high, with an expanded unemployment rate of more than 80%. The party's promise to create jobs is unlikely to convince residents who have seen minimal interventions over the years. The reality of households with declining employed persons is a stark reminder of the party's failure to deliver on its promises.
The quality of ANC membership and leadership is also a major concern. Recent instances of unaccountability, such as the secretary-general's attempt to blame the Electoral Commission of South Africa for the party's failure to submit its candidate list on time, have raised questions about the party's credibility. The lack of accountability and transparency at the highest levels of the organization has contributed to the erosion of trust.
The ANC's absence on the ground is another significant challenge. The party used to populate organs of mass power, but today it is hard to find ANC members and leaders actively engaged in community structures and groups. This has led to a perception that the party only remembers voters towards elections, then forgets about them until their votes are needed.
The party's door-to-door campaigns are also hampered by the fact that many areas, particularly in the northern suburbs, are characterized by gated neighborhoods and security complexes, making it difficult for volunteers to access residents. Even if this hurdle could be overcome, the ANC volunteer would still struggle to convince people to vote for the party given the party's track record.
Ultimately, the ANC's door-to-door campaigns are unlikely to change the party's fate at the ballot box. The party's low trust and credibility, combined with its poor track record on delivering on its promises, make it a tough sell for voters in Joburg.
Key points
- ANC's door-to-door campaigns in Joburg face significant challenges due to low trust and credibility.
- Party's poor track record on infrastructure and job creation undermines its campaign promises.
- ANC's absence on the ground and lack of accountability also hinder its campaign efforts.
