There is a threat to the ANC’s 26-year grip on power, but this danger does not emanate from its political foes.
The threat comes from rapid urbanisation and this formidable rival already sent a strong message to the ruling party when it lost the control of three metropoles during the 2016 local government elections.
Throughout South Africa, thousands of poor, unemployed people are deserting their villages to seek greener pastures in major cities. These migrants leave their villages deeply in love with the ANC, only to relocate to squalid squatter camps, where the resentment for their beloved organisation is fomented.
In their villages, these migrants never engaged in service delivery protests despite being subjected to unfulfilled promises of rural economic development so often woven in the lexicon of sweet-talking politicians. But in cities, the villagers-turned-city dwellers revolt against the ANC-led government, demanding houses, clean water, flush toilets, effective crime fighting, tarred roads, and free electricity. From time to time, when promised jobs are not forthcoming, they attack foreign nationals for allegedly stealing jobs, business opportunities, and local women.
Land, wealth disparity, and illegal immigration are now important electoral issues and are all influenced by urbanisation.
The rising number of people flocking into cities is not only increasing competition for resources, but also infrastructure is unable to cope with the influx.
Denne historien er fra 21 January 2021-utgaven av Finweek English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra 21 January 2021-utgaven av Finweek English.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.
Making money from music
Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.
Conviction is key
Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.
The post-pandemic toolkit
How CFOs can use technology to support growth.
Big city living exodus
Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.
Big compact, big value
Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.
On barriers to entry
There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.
Fear and greed in one index
To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.
