Mchunu Issues Stark Warning

Natalie Nyathi

Senzo Mchunu, a prominent member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee, has delivered a dire warning about the party’s future, stating that the ANC is on the verge of collapse and requires urgent intervention to be saved. Mchunu, who served as Minister of Police until recently, made these remarks at a memorial event in Ngwavuma, KwaZulu-Natal.

Mchunu stressed the critical importance of the upcoming local government elections, cautioning that failure to win these elections could lead to the ANC becoming “history” in the national elections. He likened the party to a person walking on the edge of a cliff, emphasizing the need for immediate regrouping before it’s too late.

“We know that people still love the ANC… We became big-headed and started taking them for granted and they punished us,” Mchunu said, acknowledging the party’s declining support. He expressed hope that the ANC could still win back members who have joined other parties.

Mchunu’s warning comes at a time when the ANC faces numerous challenges, including corruption allegations, a struggling economy, and declining public trust. Opinion polls have indicated a significant drop in support for the ANC, and the party lost its outright majority for the first time since coming to power in 1994. The ANC’s share of the vote has declined significantly since its peak in 2004.

KZN ANC coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu echoed Mchunu’s concerns, stating that the party needs to work harder to regain public trust and recruit former members. He expressed a dislike for coalitions, preferring the ANC to lead alone.

The ANC’s challenges include high unemployment, inequality, power cuts, and corruption. President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that poverty, unemployment, and inequality are “deep wounds” that prevent South Africa from reaching its full potential. The ANC is also dealing with internal divisions and public dissatisfaction.

Despite these challenges, Mabuyakhulu remains optimistic that the party can bounce back and reclaim its former glory. However, Mchunu’s warning underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action to address the issues facing the ANC.