Critics Accuse ANC of State Looting and Governance Failure

Various contributors to Business Day have critiqued the governance of the African National Congress, arguing that the party's history of state looting and failure to provide basic services have fueled rising xenophobia and social unrest in South Africa. These critics claim the government has betrayed the black majority by failing to create sustainable jobs.

Critics assert that the government relies on race-based rhetoric and policies such as Black Economic Empowerment and the National Health Insurance to maintain elite power. President Cyril Ramaphosa is specifically cited for attempting to impose the National Health Insurance despite public preference and for utilizing race cards to distract from governance lapses.