South Africa’s road to political unity is long

The ANC’s Historical Role as a Nonracial Movement

The ANC was once celebrated as a political home for South Africans of all races united against apartheid. Figures such as Joe Slovo, Denis Goldberg, Ruth First, and Beyers Naudé embodied the party’s commitment to inclusivity and shared values. Their participation symbolized a collective struggle for justice and democracy that transcended racial boundaries.

This legacy positioned the ANC not just as a black liberation movement but as a broad-based coalition fighting for human rights and equality. However, over the decades since South Africa’s transition to democracy, the party’s image as a nonracial movement has faded. The ANC’s current racial composition and political dynamics reflect a departure from this foundational ethos.

The Contemporary Identity Challenge: Why Are White Youth Absent?

Collen Malatji’s recent call for greater racial diversity within the ANC Youth League highlights a critical issue: the near absence of white youth in the party’s structures. This absence is not merely a numerical shortfall but signals a deeper disconnect between the ANC and young white South Africans.

Several factors contribute to this divide. Affirmative action and broad-based black economic empowerment policies, while designed to address historical injustices, are sometimes perceived by white South Africans as exclusionary or even antagonistic. Whether these perceptions are justified or not, they create emotional and ideological distance.

Additionally, the ANC’s governance record has undermined its credibility across racial lines. Corruption scandals, inconsistent service delivery, and factional infighting have eroded trust among middle-class voters regardless of race. For many young white South Africans, these issues diminish the party’s appeal as a vehicle for effective leadership and social progress.

Racial Polarization in South African Politics

South African politics remains deeply racialized, with voting patterns largely reflecting racial identities. The ANC continues to dominate the black vote, while opposition parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Freedom Front Plus (FF+) draw most of their support from white voters. Coloured and Indian voters often split their support among smaller parties, influenced by regional and economic factors.

This polarization is reinforced by the country’s persistent inequalities, where race correlates strongly with access to education, wealth, and services. Political parties frequently target specific racial or cultural groups rather than fostering a shared national narrative, which perpetuates division.

The DA itself faces an identity crisis, uncertain whether it is a black-led liberal party or a predominantly white opposition. This ambiguity, as Malatji noted, underscores the broader racial tensions shaping South African voter behavior.

The Importance of Inclusivity for the ANC’s Future

Malatji argues that increasing white participation in the ANC is essential not for electoral gain but to restore a shared vision of unity central to the liberation movement. Inclusivity reinforces the party’s moral and political legitimacy, affirming that it represents all South Africans rather than a single racial group.

Reclaiming this inclusive identity requires the ANC to confront its internal challenges and rebuild trust. Transparent governance, improved service delivery, and a commitment to ethical leadership are critical to regaining credibility across racial and socioeconomic divides.

Moreover, the party must engage young people of all backgrounds in schools, universities, and communities to cultivate future leaders who embody the principles of justice and democracy that once defined the ANC.

What It Will Take to Bridge South Africa’s Political Divide

Bridging South Africa’s racial political divide demands a multifaceted approach. First, political parties must demonstrate clean governance and accountability to rebuild public trust. Words alone cannot overcome the damage caused by corruption and poor service delivery.

Second, parties need to adopt inclusive language and avoid exploiting racial identities as political tools. Building a shared national narrative that resonates across communities is vital for long-term unity.

Third, active engagement with youth across racial lines is necessary to foster a sense of belonging and collective purpose. Historically, many white, coloured, and Indian South Africans joined the ANC because it stood for universal values of justice and human rights. Restoring this moral clarity is crucial for attracting diverse support.

Ultimately, the struggle for a nonracial South Africa continues. Political actors must be willing to listen, reform, and lead with integrity to create an inclusive future.

What this means

South Africa’s political landscape remains deeply shaped by its racial history, with the ANC facing a significant challenge in reclaiming its founding vision of a nonracial, inclusive movement. The absence of white youth in the party is emblematic of broader societal divides and a loss of moral clarity. However, as Collen Malatji’s remarks suggest, acknowledging these gaps is a necessary first step. The ANC and other political actors must prioritize clean governance, inclusive engagement, and principled leadership to rebuild trust and foster unity. While the road to political cohesion is long and complex, a renewed commitment to shared values and inclusivity offers the best hope for a united South Africa.