Despite Ace Magashules attempt to credit the ANC collective for the victory (which is not entirely inaccurate), several opinion polls before the election strongly indicated that Ramaphosas popularity comfortably exceeded that of the party. The party will be the largest in Parliament because of CRs promises of a New Dawn where corruption is dealt with effectively, thereby contributing to an environment in which the economy can grow and create jobs.
Human Sciences Research Council (Sat,) studied this question.