Challenges to the single party dominance of the African National Congress: lessons from Kwazakhele

Abstract

This article explores the challenges to the African National Congress (ANC) in its traditional stronghold of the Port Elizabeth working­class township of Kwazakhele. The authors argue that this area has been the embodiment of single­party dominance for decades. Using exit polling and a post­election survey, the article details the challenges to the ANC from both reduced voter turnout and rising support for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The article concludes that the end of the ANC dominance in Kwazakhele in coming elections is possible but is not a foregone conclusion.