South Africa's Zuma, ANC under pressure in local polls

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) – Tens of thousands of South Africans braved winter weather on Wednesday to head to the polls and elect local government representatives in a tightly contested race.

Opinion polls published in local media show that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) – which has been in power since 1994 – might lose some of the country’s major cities, including Johannesburg and Pretoria to the opposition.

Several political parties are participating in the election but the race has narrowed down to the ANC, the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission, over 26 million voters have registered to cast their ballots.

Unemployment – which stands at 27 percent – lack of housing, service delivery and corruption were some of the major issues that dominated the campaign.

Each party pledged to create jobs, provide free housing and fight corruption.

Experts say the ruling party could lose support following scandals surrounding ANC leader and South African president Jacob Zuma.

The polls come barely a month after the South African treasury ordered Zuma to pay back 7.8 million rand ($509,000) for non-security upgrades made on his private home during renovations funded by the state.

Four months ago, South Africa’s constitutional court found Zuma guilty of violating the constitution after he refused to comply with an anti-corruption watchdog which had ordered him to pay back some of the money.

The constitutional court then ordered the treasury to determine a reasonable amount that Zuma should repay for non-security upgrades included to his private home.

The ANC, which fought white minority rule, still has support among rural and elderly black South Africans who view it as a party which liberated them from years of oppression.

“Regardless of all the scandals labeled against Zuma, my vote is for the African National Congress,” 59-year-old Malumee Moletsanne, a Johannesburg taxi driver, told Anadolu Agency.

He said the ruling party had enabled Africans to gain dignity after years of subjugation and oppression by whites.

Professor of politics at North-West University, Andre Duvenhage, told Anadolu Agency that Zuma had become a “liability” to his party:

“Without a doubt Zuma has caused division within his party making him a liability. Certainly his scandals will affect the party’s support.”

Duvenhage believes although the ANC will lose some support, they will remain the dominant party and will control most cities and municipalities in the country.