In a pivotal moment for South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) has seen a sharp drop in support, losing its position of unrivaled political power it has held since the end of apartheid three decades ago. The veteran of the ANC, Mavuso Msimang, who resigned from the party in December after 66 years, citing endemic corruption, warned that the ANC was on the "verge of losing power".

Msimang, the deputy president of the ANC veterans league, has been a vocal advocate for tackling corruption in the party's ranks. He expressed his disappointment at the state of the ANC, stating, "I don't know how the ANC's legacy will be retrieved. I hope this is not forever."

The ANC's decline began under former President Jacob Zuma, who resigned amid allegations of allowing business associates to infiltrate government ministries. Cyril Ramaphosa, who replaced Zuma, has been criticized for not taking strong enough action to root out corruption from the party.

While Msimang has not given up on the ANC, he stressed the need for the party to remove corrupt elements and undergo a renewal process. However, he expressed concern about the absence of a strong alternative to the ANC, warning that ongoing fragmentation could leave the country unstable.

As South Africans grapple with the aftermath of these elections, questions arise about the country's political landscape and the need for coalition politics. Though the ANC remains the largest party, it will require power-sharing arrangements to continue governing.

The major parties in contention for power present different visions for the country. The pro-business Democratic Alliance, although not an easy fit due to its free-market agenda and association with minority groups, will likely be a player in the coalition discussions. However, the two radical left parties, uMkhonto weSizwe and the Economic Freedom Fighters, who advocate for land seizure and nationalizing key industries, may pose challenges for coalition-building due to their policies and strained relationships with the ANC.

Susan Booysen, a political analyst, highlights the difficulties in finding common ground among the parties. She emphasizes the ANC's reservations about partnering with the Economic Freedom Fighters due to their perceived rigidity and unreasonable policy demands. Additionally, the ANC faces tension with uMkhonto weSizwe, who have made it clear that they will not align as long as Ramaphosa remains the party leader.

South Africa now stands at a crossroads, contemplating the consequences of the ANC's diminishing support and the challenges of forming a viable coalition government. The future remains uncertain as the ANC grapples with its internal struggles and the country seeks stability and effective governance.

As Lerato Setsiba, a computer science student, aptly puts it, "I think all of us can agree it's about time we have change. But I think a majority of the people at the moment, we're quite scared... we don't know what's going to happen." South Africa's path forward will require concerted efforts to address corruption, foster unity, and chart a new course for the nation's political future.