The South African Political Information Exchange will be posting regular updates as to the fortunes of the existing parties as well as analysing the formation of new political movements. The ANC is riding the crest of the political wave. With little sign of any split or serious ructions, the ANC has continued, following 1994 to consolidate its political power and patronage. The party has fared well in government thus far and has succeeded in stabilising the inflation rate and introducing a liberalisation of South Africa's once draconian Exchange Control regulations. In terms of delivery on RDP promises which were the backbone of its 1994 election campaign, the party has been considerably less successful.
Housing remains a major problem with little likelihood of meeting self-imposed deadlines.
The ANC may also be criticised in its lack of commitment to fighting rising crime in South Africa. Overall, the party is now exerting its authority through positioning supporters in former parastatals and major corporations. President Mandela continues to be the most popular leader in the country among all South Africans and the party continues to be viewed by the majority of its supporters as the revered liberation movement which fought off the ravages of apartheid. Expect increasing friction between the pro-Unionist faction and the more pragmatic economic liberals within the party. While there is no imminent split, divisions are occurring that might sew the seeds of a split in years to come.