Political economist Moeletsi Mbeki has outlined reasons behind the African National Congress's (ANC) decline in power. He argues that internal fracturing within the party makes a recovery unlikely. Mbeki also suggests the Democratic Alliance (DA) must rethink its core principles.
In a recent analysis, political economist Moeletsi Mbeki delves into the African National Congress's (ANC) loss of political dominance in South Africa. Published on November 8, 2025, by Daily Maverick, the piece titled 'Why the ANC lost power, and why they can never get it back' highlights the party's internal fractures as a key factor in its downfall.
Mbeki, a prominent commentator, explains how divisions within the ANC have eroded its once-unassailable position. He posits that these fractures are deep-rooted and irreversible, preventing the party from regaining full control. The analysis appears in the Weekend Wrap section, emphasizing the broader implications for South African politics.
Additionally, Mbeki turns his attention to the Democratic Alliance (DA), the main opposition party. He contends that for the DA to capitalize on the ANC's weaknesses, it must break from its own philosophical core. This recommendation underscores the need for strategic shifts in a shifting political landscape.
The article, authored by Gabriel Makin, forms part of a larger magazine edition that covers diverse topics, but Mbeki's insights stand out for their focus on electoral and governance challenges. No specific timelines or numerical data on the ANC's losses are detailed in the summary, but the narrative stresses long-term structural issues.