Economic Freedom or Corruption: South Africa's Socialist Dilemma

The Struggle for Economic Empowerment Amidst Deep-Rooted Corruption

Socialism in South Africa has become synonymous with corruption. The Democratic Alliance's ability to weaponize coalitions with left-leaning parties as doomsday, aided by the media, accompanied by economic “instability,” has caused South Africa’s socialist dream to be rethought by many as a nightmare.   

The end of 1990 marked the end of the Cold War for many around the world. It was a sign that communism had lost against capitalism, and there was little appetite for socialist and communist countries. But it marked revolutionary change in South Africa as Nelson Mandela was released from prison. For many, the political victory in South Africa was about to be won, as the Freedom Charter remained central to the ANC's aspiration and document. 

However, with the promise of democracy being fulfilled, socialism seemed to die with it. The ANC retracted from its communist and socialist-leaning policies and chose economic stability and growth for the newly birthed nation. But early in the journey of the ANC and South African politics, the disagreements expressed during the struggle for democracy continued to shape South African politics. 

Towards the end of former President Thabo Mbeki’s tenure, BEE and the black middle class were being established. However, the taps of economic liberation failed to reach the streets that most needed it. With a lack of economic inclusion and liberation, as promised prior to 1994, the livelihood of many people remained unchanged. 

With the election of the ANC president, former President Jacob Zuma stepped in and truly became a man of the people. Very personable and charismatic, he gained a groundswell of support that ousted former President Thabo Mbeki, but this was not without controversy. Already under investigation for corruption and involvement in an ongoing sexual assault case, there appeared to be a dark underworld that seemed to go unacknowledged. 

But this underworld was quickly overlooked as President Zuma promised a better life for all in South Africa, engaging in a more socialist outlook, and promising free amenities such as housing and education. This was accompanied by a new flow of money under an open system of cadre deployment. President Zuma's tenure was celebrated, however, at the expense of the economy and the people on the ground. But it was a chance to access capital that continued to perpetuate hope. 

When that hope failed to materialize, it quickly turned into resentment. South Africa began to highlight the flurry of corruption that was embedded within the ANC. Various officials were tied to a variety of corruption cases. Socialism quickly appeared to be the ideology that would soon suffocate the South African economy. 

However, against the backdrop of growing anti-socialist rhetoric, we saw the rise of the Economic Freedom Fighters, who promised that they would achieve “economic freedom in our lifetime.” Socialism gained a new face, but over time, extremist views and outlooks failed to galvanize the South African public. More importantly, the EFF gained a direct enemy in the media, which continued to report negatively against a more extreme version of the ANC that contributed to the country's demise. 

In 2024, involvement in the VBS scandal, which saw top party officials benefit from corruption, furthered the undertones that socialism was deeply embedded with corruption. Yet, the Mkhonto we Sizwe party, in its first national election, galvanized the people and gained just under 15%, indicating that the appetite for socialism and economic liberation still remains core to the South African people. 

Now, in the conclusion of the first 100 days of the Government of National Unity, it appears that future South African elections are truly a contest between the left and the right. The ANC in the next few years will dictate where that line lies. Unless the GNU has the capacity to improve the livelihood of all South Africans, there will continue to be a willingness to engage in socialism. 

It is important to remember that ideologies are by no means reflected solely by the people who implement them. In an optimistic world, there may be a socialist leader who actually does the good work for the people and sees the reward in societal improvement. In a pessimistic world, socialism will only continue to allow for capital to be extracted from South Africa, leaving the people in a worse place. 

South Africa is at a crossroads once again, where the choice is between economic empowerment for the people or market protection and the economy. Depending on how the ANC, DA, EFF, and other parties navigate this ever-growing discourse, the outcome for the country will be decided. So what will it be, and who will they choose this time?