A recent poll by the Institute for Race Relations (IRR) reveals that political parties within South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) have seen increased support since the general election on May 29, 2024, reported <a href="https://www.news24.com/citypress/politics/gnu-partners-thrive-as-da-and-anc-gain-support-eff-mkp-decline-new-poll-shows-20241112">City Press</a>.
Partners such as the ANC, DA, IFP, Patriotic Alliance, and Freedom Front Plus have all experienced growth in support, according to the poll.
In contrast, opposition parties like Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and Julius Malema’s EFF have seen a decline in support. The MKP dropped from 15% to 12%, and the EFF from 10% to 7%.
The IRR poll was conducted in September and October 2024, via telephone with 604 registered, demographically representative voters. The margin of error is 5%.
A majority of 52% of respondents expressed a preference for a GNU with the DA and IFP as the ANC’s main partners. Only 27% preferred a coalition with MKP and the EFF.
Two-thirds (66%) of respondents believe that the GNU will complete its full five-year term, lasting until the next general election in 2029.
A large majority (83%) of respondents prioritized job creation over further distribution of social grants. This aligns with the ANC’s election campaign, which focused on income grants.
53% of respondents agreed that appointments should be based on merit, with special training for previously disadvantaged groups.
A smaller proportion (23%) felt appointments should be strictly merit-based, while 20% supported prioritizing black people in appointments.
According to Hermann Pretorius, head of strategic communications at the IRR, the growth in support for GNU partners reflects a cautiously optimistic voter sentiment toward the coalition government. He said:
<blockquote>
Before the elections, the DA was afraid that a quarter of its voters would leave if they worked with the ANC, but this poll shows that this quarter of DA voters is willing to give cooperation with the ANC a chance. ANC voters also give their party the benefit of the doubt regarding the GNU.
</blockquote>
Pretorius suggests that the growth in support for smaller parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU) indicates that being seen as a “constructive political player” is key to sustainable political relevance.
He warns that polling data on job creation and Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) sends a clear message to the ANC: it must focus on pragmatic, bread-and-butter issues.
He believes the ANC could regain voter support by returning to its more pragmatic policies of the late 1990s and early 2000s when it prioritised economic growth and job creation.
Pretorius attributes the EFF’s decline in support to Jacob Zuma’s return to politics, which has overshadowed Julius Malema’s image as the champion of the oppressed.
He also criticizes Malema’s decision to dismiss top EFF officials over a public relations failure, including their inability to fill buses for the EFF’s birthday event in Soweto.
Pretorius blames the decline in support for Jacob Zuma’s MKP on the party’s erratic leadership changes, particularly the appointment and dismissal of leaders under Zuma’s influence.
However, he notes that the party is starting to build its structures, though Zuma’s personal influence remains a significant factor in its support.
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A recent poll shows that South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU) partners, like the ANC and DA, are getting more support, while opposition parties like EFF and MKP are losing popularity. Most people want a GNU with DA and IFP as the main partners. People care more about job creation than social grants. The ANC could get more support by focusing on creating jobs and economic growth. The EFF's support is dropping because of Jacob Zuma's return to politics. MKP is losing support because of leadership issues. Overall, people want parties that focus on important issues and work together.

South Africa's GNU Partners Thrive As Support For EFF, MKP Decline - New Poll Shows

Julius Malema, leader of the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">opposition party</a> <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Economic Freedom</a> Fighters (EFF), has called for the establishment of a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Government of National Unity</a> (GNU) in <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">South Africa</a> to resolve the current economic crisis.
In an interview with BBC, Malema criticised the <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">African National Congress</a> (ANC)-led government for its inability to address pressing economic concerns. He said: 
<blockquote>
The president is not carrying the national agenda. We need a Government of National Unity constituted by all of us who are not driven by political party interests but the interests of South Africa to resolve this immediate crisis which will affect all aspects of our lives.
</blockquote>
South Africa is currently facing a multitude of challenges, including an electricity crisis that has been worsening over the past 15 years. The power shortages have been attributed to inadequate investments in the country’s ageing coal-fired power plants.
<a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Julius Malema</a>‘s proposal for the establishment of a <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">Government of National Unity</a> (GNU) coincides with the announcement by <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">South Africa</a>‘s <a class="MarkdownLink_linkifiedLink__KxC9G">state power utility</a>, Eskom, that it may need to increase power cuts to an unprecedented level this winter. Said Eskom Group Executive for Transmission Segomoco Scheppers in a media briefing:
<blockquote>
This is going to be a very difficult winter.
</blockquote>
Many households and businesses in Africa’s most industrialised economy are already facing scheduled electricity outages of more than 10 hours a day, largely due to breakdowns in Eskom’s ailing fleet of coal power stations.
The gap between supply and demand is expected to increase in the coming winter months as people turn on their heaters, putting additional pressure on the grid.
Eskom has not yet gone beyond “Stage 6” power cuts, which require 6,000 megawatts to be shed from the national grid. Scheppers said this winter it may move to “Stage 8” which would require up to 8,000 megawatts to be shed, translating to 16 hours of outages in a 32-hour cycle.
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