An analysis of the role of the ANC in building a political culture that is conducive to democracy in South Africa

Abstract

Political culture is a fundamental aspect of all democratic states as it plays a role in democratic consolidation (Merkel, 1998:57). Due to South Africa’s long history of oppression and segregation under apartheid rule, political culture is especially important in reinforcing democracy, enhancing nation-building and upholding the rule of law (Waetjen & Murray, 2001:198). Thus, the new dispensation after 1994 aimed to not only redress the socio-economic injustices of the past but also build a political culture that would play a meaningful role in strengthening the country’s democracy. These objectives were meant to be achieved through the political leadership of the African National Congress (ANC)-led government, civil society and the government’s socio-economic programmes. However, since 1994, the process of democratic consolidation that the ANC embarked on has failed to build a political culture that is conducive to South Africa’s democracy. Thus, despite South Africa having transitioned to democratic rule and established a constitution that upholds the principles of social justice and respecting human rights, under the leadership of the ANC these values have not significantly been practiced by the organization and in broader society. This is reflected by the citizenry’s experience of democracy being characterized by poverty, unemployment and inequality, with many citizens losing trust in state institutions that are meant to reinforce democracy by improving their standard of living (Govender, 2016:238 and Masipa, 2018:2). This has produced a political culture of disengagement (from the citizenry) which is not conducive to South Africa’s democracy. Furthermore, this situation can be attributed to the hegemonic position that the ANC has enjoyed since 1994 which has allowed it to dominate power at all levels of government and establish a political culture of corrupt patronage networks that is embedded within the party, in state institutions and the private sector (Filatova, 2011 and Erasmus, 2021). In light of the above, it is important to note that “political culture does not develop in a vacuum” (Mattes, 2002:28-29). Thus, the process of building a political culture that is conducive to democracy must take into account factors such as a country’s history, its political system, its socio-economic conditions and the shared and individual experiences of the citizenry. Considering the abovementioned factors, this research found that South Africa has a complex political culture that cannot be described as a single or uniform entity. South Africa’s political culture has not remained stable through time. This has been demonstrated by the different and sometimes contradicting characteristics that make up the country’s political culture.