ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe
By Thabo Mosai – ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe attributed the party’s declining voter support to biased media coverage. Specifically, he called out the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and Newzroom Afrika for their alleged roles in swaying public sentiment against the African National Congress (ANC).
Mantashe was addressing the media at the IEC National Results Operation Centre.
Mantashe’s remarks came in the midst of incoming election results that show a drop in the ANC’s voter share. “The media, specifically the SABC and Newzroom Afrika, are to blame for our decline,” Mantashe said responding to journalists, highlighting that Newzroom Afrika ran a “vote for change campaign” throughout election day, influencing voters as they queued at the polls.
Mantashe argued that both outlets have consistently neglected to convey the ground-level sentiments and have instead promoted their own biased views. “I monitor journalists; it’s my job,” Mantashe emphasised, suggesting a deliberate effort by these media houses to undermine the ANC’s public image.
Mantashe elaborated on his concerns by accusing Newzroom Afrika of selectively interviewing Wits University students who were openly critical of the ANC while avoiding those who supported the party. “SABC always has a negative angle about the ANC. It’s not a public broadcaster but an anti-ANC broadcaster,” he added.
Meanwhile, Mantashe was cautious about discussing possible coalitions. “It is early days. Outcomes will determine if we must discuss coalition or what,” he said.
Moreover, Mantashe addressed the status of Former ANC president Jacob Zuma, clarifying that Zuma is no longer a member of the ANC.
The results in KwaZulu-Natal, especially the performance of the MK Party, have taken the ANC by surprise, admitted Mantashe. Nevertheless, he remains optimistic, asserting that the ANC will ultimately secure over 50% of the vote.
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