Reflecting on political loyalism in Rome

I am on a working trip in Rome and following the SA election news on a distance. Despite so much that happened in South Africa, an influencial newspaper states that no major changes are expected, despite huge discontent on the achievements of the ruling party. 

Why? Loyalism to liberation movements? Identity politics? Or just a case that most people still vote for the ruling party as there are no other options?

A participant in the meeting I am in provides some cold comfort: UK voters also voted Labour even when Tony Blair was quite unpopular.  

Back to work...