ANC Head of Education and former Gauteng Premier David Makhura has conceded significant shortcomings in the party's performance, acknowledging the party's own contribution to the steep decline in electoral support the organisation has experienced in recent years. Once commanding nearly 70 of the national vote, the ANC suffered its worst electoral setback last year, dropping to just over 40 and losing outright control of government.
Since Monday, more than 1 600 ANC delegates have been engaged in intensive discussions at the party's fifth National General Council NGC. The gathering aims to openly confront the reasons behind the ANC's shrinking support base and chart a path toward organisational renewal ahead of next year's municipal elections and future national polls.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Makhura admitted that the party had dropped the ball, prompting voters to withdraw their support at the ballot. He stressed that the voters' decisions were understandable.
