Democratic Alliance Surpasses ANC in Voter Support, Tripling to 18% Amid Economic Discontent and R130bn Lost to BEE Premiums

In a notable shift in South African politics, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has surpassed the African National Congress (ANC) among registered voters for the first time, according to recent polling data from the Institute of Race Relations (IRR). The IRR indicates that support for the DA among black voters has tripled, rising from 5% to 18%. This change is attributed to growing discontent with the ANC's policies, particularly regarding Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) failures, high taxation, and job-killing regulations. Voter sentiment is increasingly moving away from race-based politics, with calls for economic growth and job creation taking precedence. Critics have pointed to a bloated government and rising taxes as key contributors to the country's fiscal challenges. The IRR's findings suggest that South Africans are demanding a shift towards economic policies that prioritize growth over identity politics, as evidenced by the increasing support for opposition parties like the DA and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).