Even If You Bring Back Mandela, You’ll Still Lose – MK Slams ANC

South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) faces mounting internal discord as criticisms from the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MK) lay bare the party’s growing struggles. In response to speculations about deploying prominent ANC members to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to recover waning support, MK members dismissed the move as futile, stating that not even Nelson Mandela could salvage the party’s current standing.

“The ANC has lost its connection with the people,” an anonymous MK veteran declared, pointing to corruption, factionalism, and failure to deliver essential services as reasons for voter disillusionment. The statement followed rumors that senior ANC figures Sbu Ndebele and Jeff Radebe might be reassigned to KZN to rally support ahead of future elections. However, MK supporters were quick to reject these plans, arguing that symbolic gestures cannot address the deep-rooted issues that have eroded the ANC’s credibility.

KZN, once a stronghold for the ANC, has become a focal point of political dissatisfaction. During the 2024 elections, the party suffered significant setbacks in the province, reflecting nationwide voter frustration over rising crime, unemployment, and political instability. These issues have not only alienated the electorate but have also exposed rifts within the party itself.

Lunga Mkhize, a political analyst, views the MK’s remarks as a symptom of broader discontent within the ANC’s ranks. “These statements are not just isolated criticism,” Mkhize explained. “They reflect a deep-seated lack of faith in the party’s leadership and its direction. Deploying high-profile figures like Radebe and Ndebele to KZN might create headlines, but it does not address the systemic problems of governance and accountability.”

The ANC’s internal challenges are compounded by a growing perception that it has become disconnected from the communities it once represented. Allegations of corruption and factional infighting have further tarnished its image, making it increasingly difficult to regain public trust.

Despite the criticism, ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe expressed optimism about the party’s future. “We are committed to reconnecting with our communities and addressing the mistakes of the past,” Mabe said. “Our focus is on rebuilding trust and delivering tangible results that improve the lives of South Africans.”

However, skeptics remain unconvinced. The ANC’s track record in KZN and other provinces paints a picture of declining influence, with voters turning to opposition parties or choosing to abstain altogether. Critics argue that the party’s failure to address core issues, such as unemployment and service delivery, has created a vacuum that symbolic gestures or high-profile deployments cannot fill.

The comments from the MK reflect a broader sentiment among former allies and supporters who feel alienated by the party’s current trajectory. “The ANC is no longer the movement of the people,” one veteran remarked. “It has become a vehicle for personal gain, and the public sees that.”

As the ANC grapples with internal and external challenges, the road ahead appears uncertain. While the party may still command significant influence in South Africa’s political landscape, its ability to adapt and address its shortcomings will determine its survival. For now, the voices of dissent from within, such as those from the MK, serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform.

The question remains: can the ANC overcome its internal divisions and reconnect with the people, or will it continue to lose ground, even in its former strongholds? As the political drama unfolds, one thing is clear—symbolism alone will not be enough to reverse its fortunes.