Johannesburg, South Africa — After suffering a stunning blow in last week’s election, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has begun closed-door negotiations with its political opponents to begin talks about forming a coalition government. It suffered its worst blow in KwaZulu-Natal, where former President Jacob Zuma’s MK Party swept up support. Former president Jacob Zuma and his uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MK Party) were the biggest election winners. Meanwhile, the MK said it was open to talks with the ANC — but not with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in charge. But the election verdict has not only exposed the deep political fissures among South Africa’s parties — it could also set off internal scrutiny within the ANC, said Pooe.
