The 25 year rule of the African National Congress (ANC) will be put to the test on May 8 as South Africans go to the polls to elect a new government. South Africa president, Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa announced the date for elections for national and provincial governments on Thursday when he addressed parliament in his state of the nation speech.

Since the first multi-party racial vote in 1994, the ANC has being the only ruling party in South Africa winning the last six elections. However, with all its liberation struggles credentials against apatheid, the ANC has struggled to address the needs of Africans and the party is facing formidable challenge from the oppositions.