The African National Congress (ANC) has long been at the forefront of South Africa's struggle for democracy and equality. As the country's leading political party, the ANC must continue to evolve and adapt in order to maintain its relevance in a diverse and complex society. It may be argued that diversity and inclusivity are the defining character of the ANC as a 'broad church" and that the dilution and departure from this over the past three decades of democracy, is as inimical to its character as the loss of values, corruption and the capture of its soul by those driven by careerism and self-enrichment.

Out of nearly 4 000 wards in South Africa, there are less than 300 wards with a predominantly non-African electorate, composed of White, Coloured, or Indian majority voters. Preserving its character as a broad church and a unifier of South African society reflective of its diversity requires that those 300 wards be treated no different from the rest and intrinsic to nation building and social cohesion that defined the South African project at the dawn of democracy.

It follows therefore that the ANC must prioritise and focus on these predominantly non-African wards to build a stronger, more inclusive party that represents all South Africans, fostering social cohesion and securing long-term political success.

While there is an argument to be made for expanding the ANC's appeal with predominantly non-African wards and its potential to expand the ANC's supporter base because it provides access to a wider range of perspectives and ideas that can contribute to the party's growth and development, its convenient to forget that such unity and diversity was germaine to the Mass Democratic Movement in the 1980s and early 1990s and reflected in the make up of the first democratic cabinet and the ANC's deployments across all organs of state and parastatals.

Given where the movement is now in its recent history and very conspicuous loss of diversity and inclusivity in its leadership echelons of both party and State, attracting new supporters from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, can increase its electoral appeal and competitiveness, ensuring its continued relevance in South Africa's dynamic political landscape.

This approach gains more traction as declining electoral performance edges closer to the 50 percent threshold where the power of marginal players often assume the position of king makers. One percent support from outside the traditional support base can clinch control in an election. This is not to suggest that the ANC's approach to minorities must reduced to a mere numbers game. On the contrary, inclusivity is core to the ANCs values and proud history of non racialism.

Strengthening Social Cohesion and Unity

Focusing on non-African wards also contributes to strengthening social cohesion and unity in South Africa. By encouraging dialogue and understanding between different racial and ethnic groups, the ANC can help address historical divisions and promote national reconciliation. This will not only enhance the party's reputation as a champion of non-racialism and inclusivity but also contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of the country.

Equally, issues such as the rights of indigenous peoples and the historic land claims and restitution rights of the Khoisan is a litmus test of how the ANC navigates its claims to inclusivity. This has been a complex and protracted issue but one that is not far removed from its policy perspective and one that grows in significance with each passing day.

By actively engaging with predominantly non-African wards, the ANC demonstrates its commitment to representing all South Africans, regardless of race or ethnicity. This can enhance the party's credibility and attract skilled and capable individuals from diverse backgrounds to join its leadership ranks once again. By fostering a more inclusive party structure, the ANC will be better positioned to address the complex challenges facing South Africa.

Minorities feel aggrieved that their cause is not effectively championed and prioritized by the ANC and that as co creators of the new democracy and their historical participation in the liberal struggle is not sufficiently recognised. This feeling of exclusion is a major threat and the sense that current affirmative action measures is unevenly applied and in some cases prejudicial remains a sore point requiring urgent intervention.

To effectively engage with predominantly non-African wards, the ANC must first seek to understand the local concerns and priorities of these communities. This can be achieved through research and analysis of community-specific issues, as well as engaging with local leaders and stakeholders to identify key concerns. Gaining a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of non-African wards is crucial for developing targeted policies and initiatives that resonate with these communities.

Once the ANC has a clearer understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities facing non-African wards, it should develop targeted policies and initiatives to address these issues. This may include policy changes that reflect the needs and aspirations of non-African wards, such as investing in education, healthcare, and local infrastructure. By tailoring its policy platform to the unique needs of these communities, the ANC can demonstrate its commitment to addressing their concerns and improving their quality of life.

Collaborating with local community organizations and institutions is another critical element of the ANC's strategic approach to engaging predominantly non-African wards. By building alliances and partnerships with influential individuals and organizations within these communities, the ANC can leverage their expertise and resources to address local issues more effectively. Additionally, these partnerships can help build trust and credibility for the ANC among non-African voters, increasing the likelihood of their support in future elections.

The persistence of key issues faced by coloured communities on the Cape Flats such as crime, gangsterism and drugs for example provide a canvas for engagement and involving local community structures such as civics, NGOs and CBOs. The impact of these social maladies require coordinated interventions as they pose a threat to the social fabric. There must be real alternatives to keep youth from being drawn into the prevailing gang culture. In this respect the lack of social infrastructure in sport, art, culture and recreation add to the perception that non African communities are not sufficiently catered for.

To effectively engage with non-African voters, the ANC must also invest in targeted communication and outreach efforts. Utilizing targeted messaging and marketing strategies, the party can ensure that its policies and initiatives resonate with the concerns and aspirations of these communities. Leveraging social media and other digital platforms can help the ANC reach a wider audience and engage with non-African voters more directly. By developing a strong online presence and utilising various communication channels, the ANC can foster a deeper connection with these communities and increase their likelihood of gaining support.

Lastly, the ANC must demonstrate a long-term commitment to predominantly non-African wards. This can be achieved by investing in local infrastructure and development projects, as well as establishing party offices and a presence in these wards. By showing that the ANC is dedicated to addressing the needs and concerns of non-African communities, the party can build trust and credibility with these voters, increasing the likelihood of their continued support.

One of the key challenges the ANC will face in engaging predominantly non-African wards is overcoming historical mistrust and negative perceptions. To address this issue, the party must demonstrate genuine commitment to change and inclusivity by acknowledging past mistakes and working towards reconciliation. By engaging in open and honest dialogue with non-African communities, the ANC can help build trust and foster a more inclusive political environment.

Another challenge the ANC will face is balancing the needs of its traditional African constituencies with those of the new supporters it seeks to attract from non-African wards. To achieve this balance, the party must develop policies and initiatives that benefit all South Africans, regardless of race or ethnicity. By focusing on issues such as economic growth, education, and healthcare, the ANC can demonstrate its commitment to improving the lives of all citizens, thereby maintaining the support of its traditional base while attracting new supporters.

In conclusion, prioritizing and focusing on predominantly non-African wards is essential for the ANC to build a stronger, more inclusive party that represents all South Africans. By developing a strategic approach that includes understanding local concerns, developing targeted policies, building alliances with community organizations, enhancing communication efforts, and demonstrating long-term commitment, the ANC can foster social cohesion and secure long-term political success. By embracing this inclusive approach, the ANC will be better positioned to address the complex challenges facing South Africa and lead the nation towards a more prosperous future.

Written by Faiez Jacobs, ANC Member of Parliament