Could South Africa be facing its own political “Brexit”?

6 July 2016

AfriBusiness is of the opinion that South Africa might be facing its own “Brexit” in the coming elections, with ANC voters turning their backs on the ruling party to support other more promising political parties.

According to Armand Greyling, Law and Policy Analyst at AfriBusiness, the ANC should prepare themselves for a major loss in support because of, among other things, poor economic growth that the country faces, as well as StatsSA’s quarterly employment statistics (QES), which indicate a decrease in job opportunities.

“Other reasons include the controversy surrounding President Zuma over the R7,8 million that he has to pay for upgrades to his Nkandla homestead, as well as the recent judgment that saw the revival of 783 corruption charges reinstated against him. The ANC is showing its cracks and, as these cracks expand, voters start to notice and will voice their discontent at the polls,” Greyling says.

“Although the ANC may not be completely defeated in this election, AfriBusiness is of the opinion that certain municipal districts will be taken over by opposition parties, indicating a true “Brexit-effect”. In others we will only see the ANC retain control, but with a much weaker grip.”

Issued by Armand Greyling, Law and Policy Analyst, AfriBusiness, 6 July 2016