Trevor Manuel chastises ANC for failing to address socio-economic challenges

JOHANNESBURG - Struggle veteran and former African National Congress (ANC) member Trevor Manuel has again chastised the governing party for failing to address the country’s worsening socio-economic challenges.

Manuel graded the ANC’s performance in government ahead of the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s first democratic elections.

But the triple threat of poverty, inequality and unemployment continue to offset gains made in the past 30 years.

Manuel says he believes the ANC will be a hard sell at the May 29 polls - with poor judgement, inefficient policies and corruption casting the party in a bad light.

“I agree with the view that it’s become exceedingly difficult for the ANC. It’s a challenge of incumbency, it’s a challenge of wasted opportunities. I agree with those that say that many opportunities have been wasted.”

He also cited “the difficulties of unemployment, inequality, poverty and the fact that there’s so little communication with the people who need answers”.

Manuel’s honest account of the ANC previously landed him in hot water before cutting ties with the party.

In his latest rebuke, Manuel says the upcoming elections will be a telling moment for the country.

“I think all of those things aggregate to a situation that makes that an unbelievably difficult election.”