REVIEW: 'Why We Vote for the ANC' - Youth justify loyalty to the governing party
The book challenges the narrative of youth voter apathy and delves into the reasons behind the ANC's persistent support, particularly amongst the younger generation in Gauteng, a largely urban part of South Africa that is home to 30% of the country’s youth.
Malaika wa Azania's newly published book, 'Why we vote for the ANC'. Picture: Supplied
In Why We Vote for the ANC, Malaika wa Azania presents a well-researched exploration of the voting behaviour of young South Africans, particularly in relation to the contentious African National Congress (ANC).
The book challenges the narrative of youth voter apathy and delves into the reasons behind the ANC's persistent support, particularly amongst the younger generation in Gauteng, a largely urban part of South Africa that is home to 30% of the country’s youth, making it the province with the highest proportion of young people.
Malaika conducted extensive interviews with 100 young voters and through these conversations, she uncovers stories that defy the simplistic view of blind loyalty and ignorance, or the misconception that all ANC voters are either beneficiaries of corruption or waiting in line to become the next group of corrupt politicians.
One of the revelations in this book is that young people are not apathetic to voting, a widely held belief due to the low number of young people who registered to vote in previous elections. Rather, many are disappointed by high unemployment, rampant crime, gender-base violence, and widespread corruption. Despite these societal issues, young South Africans are deeply invested in their country's political landscape.
The book also shows that while some youth feel unseen and unheard within the political process, there are those who remain loyal to the ANC and have positive stories to tell, such as access to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, which has enabled many to pursue higher education, access to social grants as well as housing stands with electricity and water, which they say have significantly improved their quality of life.
It provides readers with a more nuanced understanding of the ANC's voter base, and is an important read for anyone who wants to understand the dynamics of South African politics and the reasons behind the continued support for the ANC among the youth. It challenges preconceived notions and encourages readers to appreciate the complexity of political engagement among young South Africans.