– If the ANC continues in its current disastrous path, then it is inevitable that soon it will be referred to as the former government as its support continues to dwindle – Fed-up South Africans describe ANC’s track record in government as advocating “for better lives for the few connected individuals” – Former president Jacob Zuma’s neighbours thought his election as president in 2009 was going to change their plight, but they were again disappointed PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed! By Wisely Manzini – Freelance journalist Introduction When the African National Congress (ANC) won the first democratic elections in 1994, topmost of its promises was the provision of proper houses for the scores of destitute South Africans. This was viewed as a turning point in many peoples’ lives, who saw the ANC as the answer to their prayers for a better life. The ANC took over the government and the globally-revered Nelson Mandela was catapulted to the Union Building, making history as the first black president to lead South Africa. Mandela, together with his Cabinet, introduced a department that was called the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). This department was going to address the litany of socio-economic issues that plagued the poor, mostly blacks. Hardliner trade unionist, Jay Naidoo, became its minister.This was viewed as a turning point in many peoples’ lives, who saw the ANC as the answer to their prayers for a better life. The ANC took over the government and the globally-revered Nelson Mandela was catapulted to the Union Building, making history as the first black president to lead South Africa. Mandela, together with his Cabinet, introduced a department that was called the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). This department was going to address the litany of socio-economic issues that plagued the poor, mostly blacks. Hardliner trade unionist, Jay Naidoo,Nelson Mandela championed the Reconstruction Development Plan. PHOTO: Louise Gubb/CORBIS SABA/Corbis via Getty Images Source: Getty Images As is is currently, during that time many South Africans’ rallying cry was for proper houses, clean running water and quality healthcare services. Where are we 26 years later? Fast forward, 26 years later in 2020, millions of South Africans still languish in poverty with the hope of a better life still a pipe dream, future. On the other hand, the ANC-led government has unrelentingly bragged that it has changed the plight of many South Africans by providing much-needed services like housing and water. Contrary to this, the Housing Development Agency revealed in its 2019 report that South Africa is still littered with informal settlements, housing at least more than four million South Africans