May 27, 2024
2024 South Africa General elections
2024 South Africa General elections
The Guide; All you need to know!
South Africa's 2024 national and provincial elections, or the general election, will be held on 28 May 2024 to elect a new National Assembly as well as the provincial legislatures in each of the nine provinces.
Key Details About the 2024 National and Provincial Elections
South Africa is set to hold its general elections on 29 May 2024. This significant event will determine the new composition of the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures across the nine provinces. Here’s everything you need to know about this pivotal election.
Election Overview
Date: 29 May 2024
Location: South Africa, across all the nine Provinces which Purpose:To elect representatives to the National Assembly and the provincial legislatures.
Importance of the 2024 General Election
The 2024 elections are crucial for shaping South Africa’s political landscape over the next five years. Citizens will vote for members of the National Assembly, which plays a key role in creating national laws and policies. Additionally, voters will elect representatives for the provincial legislatures, responsible for governing at the provincial level and addressing local issues.
DoesvSouth Africa elect for President?
Yes, South Africa elects a president, but not directly through a popular vote. Under South Africa's constitution, the process works as follows:
Electoral Process for the President in South Africa
1. National Assembly Election: South African voters participate in general elections to elect 400 members of the National Assembly.
2. Parliamentary Majority: The members of the National Assembly are then responsible for electing the president.
3. Election by Majority Vote: The president is elected by a simple majority of the National Assembly members.
Since the end of apartheid in 1994, this system has resulted in the African National Congress (ANC) winning the majority of seats in the National Assembly in all elections. Consequently, the ANC's leader has consistently been elected as the president by the National Assembly.
Historical Context
In all previous elections since 1994, the ANC's dominance in the National Assembly has ensured that the party's leader becomes the president. This electoral process underscores the importance of parliamentary elections in determining the country's leadership.
Implications for the 2024 General Election
With the upcoming general election on 29 May 2024, South Africans will again elect members of the National Assembly. The party that secures the majority of seats will have its leader elected as the next president of South Africa. This makes the National Assembly elections crucial, as they indirectly determine the presidency.
Key Points to Remember
-Indirect Presidential Election: South Africans do not vote directly for their president. Instead, they elect members of the National Assembly, who then elect the president.
- Importance of Parliamentary Majority: The party with the majority in the National Assembly typically ensures its leader becomes the president.
- Historical Trend: The ANC has historically secured the majority, making its leader the president in every election since 1994.
Major Political Parties and Their Leaders
African National Congress (ANC)
Leader: Cyril Ramaphosa
Biography: Cyril Ramaphosa, the current President of South Africa, has a long history in politics and business. He was a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement and played a significant role in the negotiations to end apartheid. He became the leader of the ANC in 2017 and has focused on anti-corruption efforts and economic reforms.
Stronghold: Historically dominant in provinces like Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape, the ANC's influence is rooted in its legacy as the party that fought against apartheid.
Democratic Alliance (DA)
Leader: John Steenhuisen
Biography: John Steenhuisen has been a member of the DA since his youth and has served in various capacities within the party. Known for his strong oratory skills and commitment to liberal democratic values, he became the leader of the DA in 2020.
Stronghold: The DA has significant support in the Western Cape, where it has governed the provincial legislature for several terms. The party's focus on good governance and service delivery has resonated with voters in this region.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
Leader: Julius Malema
Biography: Julius Malema, the fearless and very intelligent Younger African leader of the EFF, was formerly the president of the ANC Youth League. He founded the EFF in 2013 after being expelled from the ANC.
His platform centers on economic transformation, including land expropriation without compensation
Nationalize the mines so that South Africa's wealth from minerals can be distributed to the majority of South Africans.
Create jobs.
Establish a National Bank to control the country's wealth and support marginalized majority communities in starting businesses with no or minimal interest rates."
He advocates for African unity, a continent with no borders, with one President and one currency! 'Borders were imposed on us by colonizers, yet they no longer have them on their continent because they know the power of unity,' referring to the EU."
Stronghold: The EFF has made significant inroads in Gauteng and Limpopo, appealing to younger voters and those frustrated with economic inequalities.
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)
Leader: Velenkosini Hlabisa
Biography: Velenkosini Hlabisa succeeded Mangosuthu Buthelezi as the leader of the IFP in 2019. Hlabisa has focused on maintaining the party's strong regional presence and addressing issues specific to KwaZulu-Natal.
Stronghold: KwaZulu-Natal is the IFP's traditional base, where it has significant support, particularly among Zulu-speaking communities.
Freedom Front Plus (FF+)
Leader: Pieter Groenewald
Biography: Pieter Groenewald has been involved with the FF+ since its inception and has served in various leadership roles. His platform focuses on protecting minority rights and advocating for federalism.
Stronghold: The FF+ has a strong presence in the North West and parts of Gauteng, appealing primarily to Afrikaner communities.
United Democratic Movement (UDM)
Leader: Bantu Holomisa
Biography: Bantu Holomisa, a former general in the South African military, founded the UDM in 1997. He is known for his efforts to combat corruption and promote social justice.
Stronghold: The UDM has notable support in the Eastern Cape, especially in rural areas.
African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP)
Leader: Kenneth Meshoe
Biography: Kenneth Meshoe, a pastor and longtime politician, leads the ACDP with a focus on Christian values and conservative policies.
Stronghold: The ACDP has pockets of support in Gauteng and the Western Cape, particularly among religious communities.
Newcomer Parties in the 2024 South Africa General Election
1. uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK)
The MK Party, founded by former President Jacob Zuma, who is now 82, aims to make a significant impact in the upcoming elections.
President Jacob Zuma is heavily associated with its formation and influence. His son, Duduzane Zuma, has also been speculated as a potential leader.
Formation: Established by Zuma, the party draws its name from the ANC's former military wing, symbolizing a break from the current ANC leadership.
Advocacy: The party focuses on anti-corruption, economic empowerment for black South Africans, and radical land reform. It aims to amend the constitution to redistribute wealth more equitably.
Stronghold: The party is expected to draw significant support from KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma's home province, and areas with strong anti-ANC sentiment.
Performance: he MK party is likely to fragment the ANC's vote share, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, potentially reducing the ANC's national support below 50%
2. Build One South Africa (BOSA)
Leader: Mmusi Maimane, former leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA).
Formation: Founded in September 2022 by Maimane, the party is positioned as a centrist alternative to the ANC and DA, advocating for comprehensive political reform.
Advocacy: BOSA champions issues such as job creation, anti-corruption measures, and social justice. It aims to serve as an umbrella for independent candidates and to bring a new, inclusive political ethos to South Africa.
Stronghold: The party is expected to appeal to urban, middle-class voters disillusioned with traditional parties, particularly in Gauteng and the Western Cape.
Performance: While it remains a smaller player, BOSA's performance will depend on its ability to attract independent candidates and disillusioned DA supporters【9†source】.
3. Patriotic Alliance (PA)
Leader: Gayton McKenzie.
Formation: Founded in 2013, PA has recently gained traction with its strong stance on crime and economic issues.
Advocacy: The party focuses on stringent anti-immigration policies, anti-corruption, and improving service delivery in municipalities.
Stronghold: PA has a significant presence in the Western Cape and has been making inroads in other urban areas.
Performance: PA is likely to increase its vote share, particularly among voters concerned with crime and governance issues
4. ActionSA
Leader: Herman Mashaba, former Mayor of Johannesburg.
Formation: Launched in August 2020, ActionSA has positioned itself as a pragmatic, solutions-oriented party.
Advocacy: ActionSA focuses on anti-corruption, economic reform, and improving public services. It promotes a business-friendly environment and improved governance.
Stronghold: The party has a strong following in urban centers, particularly in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Performance: ActionSA is expected to perform well in urban areas, potentially capturing significant votes from disillusioned ANC and DA supporter
These elections are poised to be highly competitive, reflecting South Africa's dynamic and evolving political landscape.
Voter Registration and Participation
To participate in the elections, South African citizens must be registered voters. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has been conducting voter registration drives to ensure a high turnout.
Election Process and Voting Day
On election day, polling stations across South Africa will open from 7 AM to 9 PM. Voters will receive two ballots: one for the National Assembly and one for their respective provincial legislature. The voting process is designed to be transparent and secure, with measures in place to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the election results.
Key Issues and Campaign Themes
Several critical issues are likely to dominate the election campaigns:
Security and Monitoring
The IEC, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will ensure that the elections are conducted in a safe and orderly manner. International observers and local watchdogs will monitor the elections to maintain transparency and credibility.
Post-Election Process
After the polls close, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will commence the counting process, with results expected to be announced within a few days.
The new National Assembly will convene, chaired by the chief justice, to elect a speaker. The Chief Justice will then swear in the elected speaker.
Each interested represented party in the Assembly will submit the name of their president, and voting will begin, with the winner announced on the same day. (The party with the majority in the Assembly will win with 51% and above; if none have a majority, coalition talks will ensue.)
Provincial legislatures will subsequently convene to elect their respective leaders and set the legislative agenda for the coming term.
Trending Hashtags
Stay updated and join the conversation with these trending hashtags:
#SAElections2024 #VoteSA2024 #SouthAfricaDecides #NationalAssembly2024 #ProvincialElections2024
For all the latest news on the 2024 South African general election, visit eKayzone, South Africa’s most loved and trusted community-based online marketplace. Ensure your voice is heard on 29 May 2024.
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