Why South Africa is facing a turning point in May's national election
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Why South Africa is facing a turning point in May's national election

The Hindu  

Polls suggest South Africa will face a historic turning point in a national election in May as the ruling African National Congress could lose its majority for the first time since coming to power in the country's first all-race vote at the end of apartheid in 1994. The overriding sentiment is that the ANC has failed to significantly improve the lives of millions of South Africa's poor Black majority over its three-decade rule. The ANC's reputation has also been tarnished by a stream of corruption allegations, especially under the leadership of former South African President Jacob Zuma from 2009-2018. South Africa is heading for a coalition government Opinion polls predict that South Africa is heading for a coalition government for the first time.

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History of this topic

Conflict in South Africa’s coalition government is ‘not catastrophic,’ says major party leader
3 months, 1 week ago

Conflict in South Africa’s coalition government is ‘not catastrophic,’ says major party leader

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Conflict is likely among partners in South Africa’s new coalition government but that won’t be “catastrophic” for its hopes of turning around the country, the leader of the second biggest political party said Thursday. Steenhuisen said that there would likely be many moments of disagreement between his center-right DA and the left-leaning ANC over the …

South Africa’s DA party takes ANC to court in sign of friction between new coalition partners
4 months, 4 weeks ago

South Africa’s DA party takes ANC to court in sign of friction between new coalition partners

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s Democratic Alliance took the African National Congress, the party it co-governs the country with, to court Thursday over a preelection speech in May given by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Ramaphosa gave the speech three days before the election in his capacity as head of state, but used parts of it to highlight what he …

South African president says new coalition government is united in tackling unemployment and poverty
5 months ago

South African president says new coalition government is united in tackling unemployment and poverty

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa opened a new parliamentary term Thursday, nearly two months after an historic election result reshaped the country’s politics and led to the formation of an unprecedented multiparty government coalition. Ramaphosa’s speech to lawmakers at the City Hall in Cape Town — a replacement venue after a fire gutted the Parliament …

South Africa’s unprecedented new coalition has 7 parties in the Cabinet. Here’s a breakdown
5 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s unprecedented new coalition has 7 parties in the Cabinet. Here’s a breakdown

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has included seven different parties in his Cabinet in an unprecedented power-sharing agreement in the continent’s most industrialized country after the African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority in a milestone election result in late May. Ramaphosa’s announcement of the new Cabinet on Sunday night takes South Africa into uncharted …

South Africa’s new government brings Black and white together. It’s also reviving racial tensions
6 months ago

South Africa’s new government brings Black and white together. It’s also reviving racial tensions

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — In a country where racial segregation was once brutally enforced, South Africa’s new coalition government has brought a Black president and a white opposition leader together in an image of unity. Yet the power-sharing agreement sealed a week ago between President Cyril Ramaphosa’s African National Congress party and the Democratic Alliance, one of South Africa’s …

How South Africa’s rival parties ‘found each other’ in a last-ditch deal that saved a president
6 months, 1 week ago

How South Africa’s rival parties ‘found each other’ in a last-ditch deal that saved a president

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s main political rivals are now partners in government after they came together in a last-minute coalition deal that ensured President Cyril Ramaphosa was dramatically reelected with cross-party support, and a struggling country was given a boost. The coalition between Ramaphosa’s African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance — South Africa’s only major party …

South Africa’s President Ramaphosa is reelected for second term after a dramatic late coalition deal
6 months, 1 week ago

South Africa’s President Ramaphosa is reelected for second term after a dramatic late coalition deal

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was reelected by lawmakers for a second term on Friday, after his party struck a dramatic late coalition deal with a former political foe just hours before the vote. During a break in what turned out to be a marathon parliamentary session, the ANC signed the last-minute agreement with the …

What we know ahead of Friday’s deadline for South Africa to form a coalition and elect a president
6 months, 1 week ago

What we know ahead of Friday’s deadline for South Africa to form a coalition and elect a president

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s Parliament is due to elect a president on Friday and major political parties are still working out the last details of a coalition agreement that might or might not see Cyril Ramaphosa return for a second term as leader of Africa’s most industrialized economy. How the president is elected South Africans elect a …

South Africa’s ANC says it has broad agreement with main opposition, others on coalition government
6 months, 1 week ago

South Africa’s ANC says it has broad agreement with main opposition, others on coalition government

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s African National Congress party said Thursday that it has a broad agreement with the main opposition and other parties to form a coalition government and end a political deadlock after the ANC lost its 30-year majority in an election two weeks ago. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula told reporters that the main opposition Democratic …

Why South Africa’s ANC wants a national unity gov’t after election setback
6 months, 2 weeks ago

Why South Africa’s ANC wants a national unity gov’t after election setback

Al Jazeera  

A broad coalition like the one President Ramaphosa outlined on Thursday leaves the ANC less vulnerable to pressures from any one partner. Johannesburg, South Africa — Reeling from its worst electoral performance in 30 years, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress on Thursday said it would seek to stitch together a “Government of National Unity” to administer the nation. After …

South Africa’s ANC leans toward a ‘unity’ government that evokes Mandela but divisions are there
6 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa’s ANC leans toward a ‘unity’ government that evokes Mandela but divisions are there

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other senior officials of the African National Congress party were in a critical meeting Thursday to decide if they should formally propose a “unity” government bringing in all major parties to solve a political deadlock in Africa’s most industrialized country before a June 16 deadline. A government of national …

South Africa questions its very being. Yet a difficult change has reinforced its young democracy
6 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa questions its very being. Yet a difficult change has reinforced its young democracy

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa is in a moment of deep soul-searching after an election that brought a jarring split from the African National Congress, the very party that gave it freedom and democracy 30 years ago. “What must we do with this South Africa of ours?” asked Thabo Mbeki, the former South African president who had the …

South Africa’s weakened ANC talks with 5 parties over possible coalition but says it’s still early
6 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa’s weakened ANC talks with 5 parties over possible coalition but says it’s still early

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — Top officials in South Africa’s African National Congress have had initial talks with representatives of five other parties over a coalition or other agreement to form a government, but no decision has been made and the talks are at an early stage, the ANC said Wednesday. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri told reporters that there had been “exploratory” talks …

South Africa ruling party loses majority
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa ruling party loses majority

China Daily  

African National Congress' deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane talks with daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, in Johannesburg on Saturday. THEMBA HADEBE/ASSOCIATED PRESS South Africa's governing party African National Congress has for the first time in 30 years lost its political dominance in the country's elections. The final result is expected to be announced on Sunday evening by South …

Race to form South Africa’s next government: Who will the ANC ally with?
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Race to form South Africa’s next government: Who will the ANC ally with?

Al Jazeera  

The governing party has a range of potential partners. Johannesburg, South Africa — After suffering a stunning blow in last week’s election, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress has begun closed-door negotiations with its political opponents to begin talks about forming a coalition government. The DA on Sunday announced that it would begin talks with the ANC in an effort …

South Africa elections: ‘Tintswalo’ sends a message to the ANC
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa elections: ‘Tintswalo’ sends a message to the ANC

Al Jazeera  

The ANC’s election setback is the natural result of years of ignoring voters’ concerns and demanding loyalty over past accomplishments. Most famously, in his State of the Nation address in February, President and ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa tried to highlight the long-term achievements of his party through the tale of “Tintswalo” – a fictional Black woman born in 1994, within …

South Africa's ANC gains 159 seats in National Assembly: official results
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa's ANC gains 159 seats in National Assembly: official results

China Daily  

President of the African National Congress and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his remarks after the official announcement of the South African general election results in the Independent Electoral Commission National Results Center at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, on June 2, 2024. South Africa's governing African National Congress lost its 30-year-old outright majority in this week's election, …

A guide to what’s next for South Africa and the key figures in unprecedented coalition talks
6 months, 3 weeks ago

A guide to what’s next for South Africa and the key figures in unprecedented coalition talks

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s election has decided little, other than the African National Congress that liberated the country from apartheid in 1994 has lost its 30-year majority. With no one holding a majority, South Africa’s party leaders are embarking on coalition talks to form a government. That could be damaging for South Africa’s image with foreign investors …

South Africa's ANC calls demands for President Ramaphosa to step down for coalition talks a 'no-go'
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa's ANC calls demands for President Ramaphosa to step down for coalition talks a 'no-go'

Deccan Chronicle  

Cape Town: South Africa's African National Congress party will not consider any demands from possible coalition partners that President Cyril Ramaphosa step down, a top official said Sunday, as the ANC attempted to present a united front after a stinging election result ended its 30-year majority. As South Africa heads for a series of complex talks to form a national …

South Africa’s president urges parties to find common ground in talks after election deadlock
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s president urges parties to find common ground in talks after election deadlock

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — President Cyril Ramaphosa called Sunday for South Africa’s political parties to overcome their differences and find “common ground” to form the first national coalition government in its young democracy. This is a time for all of us to put South Africa first.” The ANC was the party of Nelson Mandela and freed South Africa from the apartheid system …

South Africa elections final results: What happens next?
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa elections final results: What happens next?

Al Jazeera  

The African National Congress has lost parliamentary majority and will need coalition partners to surpass 50 percent votes and form a government. After all the ballots have been counted in South Africa, the ruling African National Congress has received only 40.18 percent votes in Wednesday’s election, well short of a majority. However, only 16.2 million votes were cast on election …

South Africa’s president urges parties to find common ground after election deadlock
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s president urges parties to find common ground after election deadlock

LA Times  

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks during the announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections in Johannesburg on Sunday. South Africa announced its final election results Sunday that confirmed no party won a majority, and unprecedented coalition talks were starting to find a way forward for Africa’s most advanced economy. President Cyril Ramaphosa immediately called in a speech …

After South Africa’s historic election, what now for its global role on issues like the war in Gaza?
6 months, 3 weeks ago

After South Africa’s historic election, what now for its global role on issues like the war in Gaza?

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — It was a historic day for South Africa. CHALLENGING ISRAEL OVER GAZA South Africa has become the most visible critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza by accusing it of genocide in a case at the International Court of Justice, the U.N.'s top court. The case has been largely driven by the ANC, which has long …

ANC loses majority as its vote collapses in historic South Africa election
6 months, 3 weeks ago

ANC loses majority as its vote collapses in historic South Africa election

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Vote tallying from Wednesday’s poll was entering its final …

The ANC party that freed South Africa from apartheid loses its 30-year majority in landmark election
6 months, 3 weeks ago

The ANC party that freed South Africa from apartheid loses its 30-year majority in landmark election

Deccan Chronicle  

Johannesburg: The African National Congress party lost its parliamentary majority in a historic election result Saturday that puts South Africa on a new political path for the first time since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule 30 years ago. “The way to rescue South Africa is to break the ANC’s majority and we have done that,” …

ANC Party That Freed South Africa From Apartheid Loses 30-Year Majority In Landmark Election
6 months, 3 weeks ago

ANC Party That Freed South Africa From Apartheid Loses 30-Year Majority In Landmark Election

Huff Post  

Observers look on as election results are displayed at the Results Operation Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday May 31, 2024. via Associated Press JOHANNESBURG — The African National Congress party lost its majority in a historic election result Saturday that puts South Africa on a new political path for the first time since the end of the apartheid …

The ANC party that freed South Africa from apartheid loses its 30-year majority
6 months, 3 weeks ago

The ANC party that freed South Africa from apartheid loses its 30-year majority

The Hindu  

The African National Congress party lost its parliamentary majority in a historic election result Saturday that puts South Africa on a new political path for the first time since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule 30 years ago. While opposition parties hailed it as a momentous breakthrough for a country struggling with deep poverty and inequality, …

The ANC party that freed South Africa from apartheid loses its 30-year majority in landmark election
6 months, 3 weeks ago

The ANC party that freed South Africa from apartheid loses its 30-year majority in landmark election

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — The African National Congress party lost its majority in a historic election result Saturday that puts South Africa on a new political path for the first time since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule 30 years ago. “The way to rescue South Africa is to break the ANC’s majority and we have done that,” …

South Africa elections: ANC, which freed country from apartheid, loses majority for first time in 30 years
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa elections: ANC, which freed country from apartheid, loses majority for first time in 30 years

India TV News  

Johannesburg: South Africa was set to end three decades of dominance by the African National Congress in an unprecedented development, as the party that freed the country from apartheid has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years. The dramatically weakened vote share of the ANC, well short of the majority it had held since the famed …

The ANC party that freed South Africa from apartheid loses its 30-year majority in landmark election
6 months, 3 weeks ago

The ANC party that freed South Africa from apartheid loses its 30-year majority in landmark election

LA Times  

The latest election results are displayed at the Results Operation Center in Johannesburg on Friday. The African National Congress party lost its parliamentary majority in a historic election result Saturday that puts South Africa on a new political path for the first time since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule 30 years ago. “The way to …

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers on day 3
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers on day 3

Al Jazeera  

With 99 percent of votes counted, results show the ruling ANC will lose its majority and be forced to seek coalition partners. With 99 percent of the ballots counted, the ruling African National Congress is leading with just over 40 percent share of the national vote, three days after the country voted in national elections that could throw up the …

South Africa's ANC talking to 'everybody and anybody' for new coalition after losing majority
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa's ANC talking to 'everybody and anybody' for new coalition after losing majority

ABC  

In short: With more than 99 per cent of the vote counted, South Africa's ANC is set to lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years. With more than 99 per cent of the vote counted, South Africa's ANC is set to lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years. Early results show ANC …

South African election results show ANC is on course to lose majority for first time in 30 years
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South African election results show ANC is on course to lose majority for first time in 30 years

ABC  

In short: South Africa's ANC is set to lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years after suffering a major drop in support. South Africa's ANC is set to lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years after suffering a major drop in support. South African political parties geared up for coalition talks on …

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers on day 2
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers on day 2

Al Jazeera  

With more than 90 percent of votes counted, results show the ruling ANC could lose their majority and be forced to seek coalition partners. With more than 90 percent of the ballots counted, the ruling African National Congress is leading with just over 40 percent share of the national vote, two days after the country voted in national elections that …

South Africa’s election results may only be the start of a rocky political process. Here’s why
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s election results may only be the start of a rocky political process. Here’s why

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The real politicking in South Africa may start after the final results of this week’s election are announced as the country faces the possibility of no outright winner. Early results Thursday showed the ruling African National Congress at well below 50% of the national vote as counting continued, reinforcing pre-election analysis that the party that …

Partial count in South Africa election puts ruling ANC below 50% as country senses momentous change
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Partial count in South Africa election puts ruling ANC below 50% as country senses momentous change

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — Partial results in South Africa’s national election put the long-ruling African National Congress party at well below 50% of the vote as counting continued Thursday, and it could be on the brink of losing its majority for the first time since sweeping to power under Nelson Mandela at the end of apartheid in 1994. That would be a …

Watch: Votes counted as South Africa’s election gets underway
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Watch: Votes counted as South Africa’s election gets underway

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Watch as vote counting got …

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers

Al Jazeera  

About 28 million people are registered to vote in national and provincial elections. South Africa’s ruling African National Congress is leading with more than a 40 percent share of the national vote after half of the ballots have been counted, a day after the country went to the polls for national and provincial elections that are widely predicted to test …

South Africa votes in key polls
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa votes in key polls

China Daily  

People wait in line to cast their votes in the South African elections at a primary school in Limpopo Province, South Africa, on Wednesday. "South Africa's general election is a watershed moment in the political history of the country," Aleix Montana, an analyst at risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft, told Agence France-Presse. The Electoral Commission of South Africa, or IEC, …

South Africa senses monumental change as partial count in election puts ruling ANC below 50%
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa senses monumental change as partial count in election puts ruling ANC below 50%

LA Times  

Voters line up to cast their ballot for general election in Alexandra, near Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday. Partial results in South Africa’s national election put the long-ruling African National Congress at below 50% of the vote as counting continued Thursday, raising the possibility that it might lose its majority for the first time since it swept to power under …

South Africans vote in election that pits the African National Congress against significant opposition
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africans vote in election that pits the African National Congress against significant opposition

ABC  

In short: South Africans have voted in an election that is anticipated to test the 30-year rule of the African National Congress. Polls have closed in South Africa's election which is seen as the country's most important since apartheid ended 30 years ago, with the result potentially putting the young democracy in unknown territory. At stake is the three-decade dominance …

South Africans vote in a pivotal election as president says he has no doubt his ANC party will win
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africans vote in a pivotal election as president says he has no doubt his ANC party will win

The Hindu  

South Africans voted on Wednesday at schools, community centres, and in large white tents set up in open fields in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years. After casting his vote, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he had no doubt his ANC would win with a majority and remain in government. He said he was …

South Africans vote in watershed election as ANC could lose majority
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africans vote in watershed election as ANC could lose majority

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy South Africans have begun voting …

When South Africa’s election results are expected and why the president will be chosen later
6 months, 3 weeks ago

When South Africa’s election results are expected and why the president will be chosen later

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa held a national election Wednesday that could be the country’s most hotly contested in 30 years, with the long-ruling African National Congress party facing a stern test to hold onto its majority. The ANC has been the majority party and in government ever since the end of South Africa’s apartheid system of white …

‘Vote for change’: South Africa elects government as ANC legacy on trial
6 months, 3 weeks ago

‘Vote for change’: South Africa elects government as ANC legacy on trial

Al Jazeera  

Thirty years after Nelson Mandela took over as the country’s first Black president, the ruling party faces a credibility crisis — especially with the burgeoning youth population. In the narrative of Ramaphosa’s ruling African National Congress, Hlavanganwane is among the “Tintswalos” — the name given to young South Africans born after the introduction of democracy who benefitted from the ANC …

South Africa’s opposition parties make a final call for historic change the day before election
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s opposition parties make a final call for historic change the day before election

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South African opposition parties made a final appeal to voters Tuesday as the country faces the possibility of a landmark change in its young democracy. Main opposition leader John Steenhuisen of the Democratic Alliance party called it “South Africa’s most consequential election in post-democratic history.” He urged people to vote the ANC out to “rescue” …

South Africa elections 2024: Key issues by the numbers
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa elections 2024: Key issues by the numbers

Al Jazeera  

Unemployment, crime and access to electricity are some of the biggest issues on the ballot. Here are the key issues that are top of mind for the majority of voters: Jobs: One in three South Africans unemployed The country has the highest unemployment rate in the world. Among white South Africans, however, a higher percentage are more likely to have …

ANC faces stiff contest in South Africa elections
6 months, 3 weeks ago

ANC faces stiff contest in South Africa elections

China Daily  

President Cyril Ramaphosa waves to supporters of his ANC party during an election rally on Saturday in Johannesburg, South Africa. ZHANG YUDONG/XINHUA South Africa's long-ruling African National Congress party is expected to face serious challenges in the upcoming elections, the most fiercely contested poll in 30 years, with the public calling for massive reforms to address a range of problems …

South Africa’s opposition parties make a final call for historic change the day before election
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s opposition parties make a final call for historic change the day before election

New Indian Express  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa: South African opposition parties made a final appeal to voters Tuesday as the country faces the possibility of a landmark change in its young democracy. At the heart of Wednesday’s national election is the question of whether South Africans will deliver their biggest rejection yet of the ruling African National Congress party, which has governed since …

South Africa’s surprise election challenger is evoking the past anti-apartheid struggle
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s surprise election challenger is evoking the past anti-apartheid struggle

Associated Press  

DURBAN, South Africa — The 59-year-old Dumisani Ndlovu has voted in every South Africa national election since he and the rest of the Black majority finally won the right 30 years ago. Ndlovu in this week’s election is turning his support to the man, Jacob Zuma, whose career spanned from the liberation struggle to the presidency before falling out with …

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