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ANC under pressure in Free State, Mpumalanga — 'only Limpopo, Eastern Cape safe'

ANC under pressure in Free State, Mpumalanga — 'only Limpopo, Eastern Cape safe'

TimesLIVE16 hours ago
The ANC could be in for a major provincial shake-up in 2029. Researchers say the party could lose more provinces in the next general election and only retain Limpopo and the Eastern Cape.
New research from the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (Mistra) suggests its support in Mpumalanga and the Free State is waning.
Susan Booysen, author of the Mistra Coalitions Barometer II, said: 'Mpumalanga and the Free State could be on the verge of provincial coalition governments.
'Only Limpopo and the Eastern Cape seem to be secure now. If election trends continue, other provinces could possibly have coalition governments after the next election.'
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The withdrawal of Thabo Mbeki's foundation and others underscores significant concerns regarding transparency and preparation for the National Dialogue, raising vital questions about leadership and accountability in South Africa's pursuit of a cohesive national vision. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Just two days before its scheduled start, the National Dialogue is facing a crisis of legitimacy, with several organisations withdrawing their participation due to concerns over transparency, funding, and the ANC's intentions. More organisations have withdrawn from the National Dialogue, citing concerns over its legitimacy, transparency, and effectiveness. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has questioned the financing of the event, while the Freedom Front Plus, ActionSA, Solidarity, and Afrikaner Leierskapsnetwerk (Afrikaner Leadership Network, ALN) have all announced their decision not to participate. This follows the withdrawal less than a week ago of the Mbeki Foundation and other prominent legacy foundations, including the Steve Biko Foundation, Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation, and FW de Klerk Foundation, from the ambitious event. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The foundations stated that a key factor in the decision was the uncertainty regarding the R700 million allegedly allocated for the National Dialogue. They also cited concerns over the rushed timeline, inadequate preparation, and shift towards government control as reasons for their withdrawal. 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The ANC has noted the decision by several National Legacy Foundations and organisations to withdraw from the Preparatory Task Team of the National Dialogue and urged the government to urgently address the concerns raised. Without outright saying it was in support of the event, the party said it believed the National Dialogue must be rooted in inclusive participation, guided by the spirit of the Constitution and liberation values. 'The ANC reaffirms that the process is about building trust, healing social divisions, and forging national unity through broad-based societal engagement.'

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