Could we see a DA government in 2029? 'ANC in decline. DA support has grown' - Adriaan Basson

CapeTalk's John Maytham is joined by Adriaan Basson, Editor-in-Chief of News24.

Listen below:

Is the Democratic Alliance (DA) ready to govern South Africa? 

Two recent polls suggest that the ANC could be on track to dip below 30% in national support.

And, in both cases, the DA emerges narrowly ahead.

But is the party built for national leadership?

Basson’s latest column delves into the party’s internal dynamics, growing appeal across racial lines, and the strategic implications of John Steenhuisen potentially stepping down.

He says it is significant that two separate polls resulted in the same results.

"Firstly, [they both show] that the ANC is in a decline. Their support seems to have dipped even lower since last year's national election."

Adriaan Basson, Editor-in-Chief - News24

"Secondly, the DA has been the biggest beneficiary of that. DA support has grown, particularly under the Black electorate."

- Adriaan Basson, Editor-in-Chief - News24

ALSO READ: 'One person said the DA is staying in GNU marriage only for the sake of the kids' - political scientist

With almost 12 months' membership of the GNU under their belts, Basson says the DA's inclusion in the coalition (despite some head-to-heads with the ANC over certain issues) has served the party well.

"... I think the GNU has been very good for the DA. I argue in my column... there's a very strong positive perception from the public on what the DA has done in the GNU."

- Adriaan Basson, Editor-in-Chief - News24

But, realistically, could the DA be victorious in the 2029 national elections?

"The DA has very much, for the past 30 years, been seen as the party for white voters... and that is changing, if these polls are right."

- Adriaan Basson, Editor-in-Chief - News24

"The DA cannot grow very much more under its white electorate, but it can certainly grow much more under the Black electorate."

- Adriaan Basson, Editor-in-Chief - News24

ALSO READ: 'I don't think the DA will give up this government for half a percent' - Stephen Grootes

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