ANC flexing it's muscles ahead of elections manifesto launch in KZN, suggest analysts

JOHANNESBURG - Analysts said the African National Congress (ANC) is flexing its muscle in KwaZulu-Natal in a show of force ahead of the party’s manifesto launch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Despite the party holding events in the middle of the week and during working hours - it's managed to attract thousands of supporters.

The ANC is facing an uphill battle in KZN with newcomer Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK Party) - which is backed by its former president Jacob Zuma - and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) gaining traction and threatening its electoral fortunes.

Polls have suggested the governing party will drop to below 50% when the country goes to elections soon.

The arrival of the ANC’s national leadership in KZN this week is best described as a power play, as its leaders attract throngs of supporters everywhere they go.

Political analyst Dr Susan Booysen says its showing must be understood as a live-or-die battle for the party.

She said the ANC is taking advantage of its competition with the MK Party.

"It is said the ANC is scooping up a lot of benefits as well, I think it's getting attention, it's getting numbers that it would not have."

Meanwhile, independent analyst Pearl Mncube said the ANC’s actions in KZN must be understood as a serious power play.

"I can't imagine now what conversations are happening within the leadership and major individuals and gatherings within MK."

The ANC will launch its manifesto on Saturday.