Comparing the ANC's declarations after its 2017 national elective conference and its most recent iteration, it is clear there is a greater appreciation in the governing party that there have been some "shortcomings and setbacks".
"The newly-elected NEC must act with demonstrable urgency in addressing the shortcomings, setbacks and reversals that threaten to undermine and erode the democratic gains.
"These include chronic poor economic performance and the resultant high rate of unemployment, poverty and inequalities; rising lawlessness, criminality and violence," read the 2022 declaration adopted by the conference on Thursday.