Natalie Cowling
Research Expert South Africa
General elections in South Africa - statistics & facts
South Africa’s 2024 elections proved to be a pivotal moment for the country when the African National Congress (ANC) lost its 30-year parliamentary majority in the national elections held on May, 29. This prompted coalition talks between the ANC and other parties, resulting in the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) with the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), together with the Patriotic Alliance (PA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), GOOD, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC), Vryheidsfront Plus (FF+), United Democratic Movement (UDM), Rise Mzansi, Al Jama-ah, and the United Africans Transformation parties. An ANC alliance with the DA and multi-charter parties was also the preferred outcome for the GNU among South Africans.
Although there is an air of uncertainty around the GNU and its marriage of convenience, there is some hope that, as ministers from various parties attempt to outdo each other, the overall result may lead to an effective government that benefits all South Africans.
Rise of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party
The introduction of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party turned out to be a major game changer in South African politics. The party was launched in December 2023 by South Africa’s former president Jacob Zuma and contributed significantly to the ANC’s decline in support. Subsequently, it became the third largest party in the national election. Combined with disgruntled ANC supporters, MK’s success was likely due to Zuma’s popularity as a Zulu traditionalist and his distrust for the established authority. Provincially, the MK party received the highest share of votes in KwaZulu-Natal. However, the number of seats created from a coalition formed by the ANC, IFP, DA, and the National Freedom Party (NFP) exceeded those attained by the MK party in partnership with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).Decline in the ANC’s support
Aside from the MK party’s effect on swaying voters, various unresolved issues in the country have also impacted South Africans’ voting choice and contributed to the reduction in support for the ANC. A survey conducted in South Africa revealed that crucial problems the government still needs to address are unemployment, crime and electricity. Globally, South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates, with the youth being disproportionately affected. Additionally, excessive power outages have exacerbated unemployment as it has disrupted production, prevented businesses from growing, and weakened investments. Moreover, this has provided favorable conditions for crime in the country to flourish.Although there is an air of uncertainty around the GNU and its marriage of convenience, there is some hope that, as ministers from various parties attempt to outdo each other, the overall result may lead to an effective government that benefits all South Africans.
