The article critically examines the African National Congress (ANC)'s ongoing struggles to address South Africa's political crisis.It argues that the party's greatest weakness lies in its failure to promote capable, ethical leaders who can govern effectively.

While corruption is a significant issue, the root problem is deeper: institutional decay, weakened leadership pipelines, and prioritization of political loyalty over competence.

The ANC remains the only national governing force despite its shortcomings, as no alternative party has demonstrated the necessary legitimacy and capability to unite South Africa's diverse population.

The piece highlights the challenges of transitioning from protest to governance, emphasizing that localised successes do not automatically translate to national leadership.

It also discusses the importance of constitutional architecture and the need for leaders who can address contemporary issues like AI, climate adaptation, and economic transformation.

The conclusion underscores that South Africa's reset cannot be achieved by simply replacing political symbols but requires substantive reforms within the ANC.