One year on, pandemic politics still clear as mud but Ramaphosa's hand stronger: Analyst
Updated | By Christelle du Toit
Political analyst, Theo Venter says while the subsequent lockdowns meant many political activities were disrupted, President Cyril Ramaphosa seems to have come through the tumultuous in a better position as leader of the African National Congress (ANC).
As South Africa marks one year since the first Coronavirus case in the country, the political landscape continues to feel the impact of the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Political analyst, Theo Venter says while the subsequent lockdowns meant many political activities were disrupted, President Cyril Ramaphosa seems to have come through the tumultuous in a better position as leader of the African National Congress (ANC).
"The annual general meeting (of the ANC), which was prepared to put him under pressure, did not take place, like many of the rugby matches and cricket matches that had to be postponed," notes Venter.
That gave him a chance to consolidate his power within the ANC."
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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) did not fare as well though, losing significant traction in Venter's opinion in the year of lockdown restrictions.
"Covid just took all the media space that was available and they had to do extraordinary things to get attention," he says.
"They had to work to get seen and to promoted in the political space."
Local Government Elections (LGE) are set to take place this year, and Venter says the future for this does not look rosy.
"An election in this year is going to be a very, very difficult thing to do," he says noting the possibility of a third wave in the pandemic and the vaccine roll-out plan that still needs to be rolled out to ordinary citizens.
"I'm expecting the election to take place more towards September, October and it's not a good time to be having elections in South Africa," he says noting that the weather is already quite warm them with the rainy season having started in many places.
"Elections in South Africa in the second half of the year ios always a big risk."
Listen to Venter below:
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