'Incoherent and divided' ANC's future prospects 'appear even dimmer' - Mcebisi Jonas

Special envoy to the US and former finance minister, Mcebisi Jonas, has pulled no punches in his criticism of the African National Congress (ANC), warning it could further regress from already historic lows. 

Jonas criticised his political home at the annual Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Forum held over two days since Friday.

He believes the dysfunction and fragmentation in the ANC have made the Government of National Unity (GNU) ineffective in its first year of governing since the 2024 general elections. 

The ANC lost its parliamentary majority in the last polls for the first time in democratic South Africa, slipping to 40 percent of the voter share. 

"The ANC is not providing credible leadership on critical issues in social or economic policy, nor has it demonstrated any visible path to execution. In the face of geopolitical volatility, it has not been able to offer a credible or viable response."

In a candid assessment of the party's future, Jonas said the ANC was doomed if it could not get its house in order.

"The ANC appears more incoherent and divided than ever and its prospects both electorally and more generally as an organising force in government appear even dimmer."