As the May elections in South Africa draw near, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is gearing up for what could be its most challenging electoral test in 30 years. President Cyril Ramaphosa recently launched the party's manifesto in KwaZulu-Natal province, a key battleground where dissatisfaction with the state of the economy, public services, and corruption has eroded ANC support. Recent polls suggest that the ANC's share of the vote may fall below 50% for the first time, possibly leading to a coalition government after the 29 May general election.

President Ramaphosa acknowledged the challenges facing the ANC, promising to "do better" and highlighting the progress made in the country since the end of apartheid. The ANC's manifesto includes pledges to create 2.5 million work opportunities, boost investment, support the private sector, and eradicate corruption.

Opposing the ANC are the Democratic Alliance (DA), led by John Steenhuisen, which aims to create two million new jobs, end power cuts, and reduce violent crime through a liberal economic approach including privatization. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, advocates for the expropriation of land without compensation and nationalizing key sectors of the economy to address apartheid-era economic inequalities.

Additionally, former President Jacob Zuma has launched a new party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), aiming to "rescue" the ANC. With over 300 parties registered for the upcoming election, South Africa is gearing up for three months of intense campaigning as the country faces a pivotal moment in its post-apartheid history.