South Africa’s voters defy President Zuma’s scandals

Policy Study

The scandals surrounding President Zuma brought predictions of a rout for the ruling African National Congress, but it seems the controversy has not deterred ANC supporters. The emotional link to the liberation party is still strong and the party still attained a massive 62% of the vote, in spite of some slippage. The Democratic Alliance increased marginally nationwide but significantly in the Western Cape, indicating that race is still a strong determinant of voting behaviour in South Africa, although there has been some increase in support among urban black professionals.

Predictions of Zuma’s removal as ANC President will not now come to pass. His final term can be used to secure impunity for himself by grooming the most appropriate successor.

Meanwhile, industrial relations issues persist and threaten the future of the Tripartite Alliance in the aftermath of the elections.