ANC under pressure ahead of manifesto launch
As the ANC gears up for its manifesto launch this weekend, a political analyst says the governing party will need to iron out several issues to regain the trust of some supporters.
Some 75,000 people are expected to attend the rally at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The ANC is looking to retain its electoral support when South Africa heads to the polls on the 29th of May.
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UKZN-based analyst Belinda Johnson says the party has come under pressure to address burning issues like load shedding and corruption.
"The most urgent challenges currently are corruption, unemployment, and the deteriorating condition of state-owned enterprises such as Eskom and Transnet.
"Eskom is experiencing temporary relief as an increasing number of businesses and groups switch to solar energy. These are paying customers. If the problems at Eskom are not resolved, more people who have the financial means will be able to switch to solar power.
"Unemployment has increased, with an especially alarming high rate of youth unemployment. Regrettably, the primary concern is corruption. South Africa has lost more than 1.5 trillion due to corruption in a span of five years."
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Last week, polling data revealed that the newly-formed party uMkhonto weSizwe could snatch about 50% of the ANC's support in KZN.
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