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 almost impossible task of succeeding Mandela as his nation’s leader. FILE - South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks during the announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections in Johannesburg, South Africa on June 2, 2024. That must change quickly, Madonsela warned, or South Africa’s democracy could face sterner tests ahead and the constitution that she co-wrote could be in danger of becoming “meaningless” to people. Ramaphosa said South Africa has to find unity “now more than ever.” As politically and racially diverse groups try to chart a new way forward together, an optimistic South African might find a connection with one of the most famous speeches Mandela gave 60 years ago when he stood in an apartheid courtroom and held firm in his defense of democracy, and that every South African be allowed to vote and have a say in their future.

Democracy Africa South Africa Election South 2024 African File South African Cape Town Nelson Mandela Mandela Johannesburg Anc South Africans General Elections Madonsela Cronje Kwazulu Natal  anc  change  south  ap  reinforced  young  questions  africa  election  2024  africas  mandela  democracy  difficult  african

History of this topic

Namibia elections 2024: Who’s in the running and what’s at stake?
Trending News
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Namibia elections 2024: Who’s in the running and what’s at stake?

Al Jazeera  

The Southern African country could be the next to face turmoil as a wave of election upsets hit the region. Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah : She is the governing SWAPO Party’s first female presidential candidate and the favourite to win the election, although analysts say she faces strong competition. If young people turn out at the polls, Itula could threaten …

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 African President Cyril Ramaphosa re-elected in coalition deal after African National Congress loses majority
6 months, 1 week ago

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa re-elected in coalition deal after African National Congress loses majority

ABC  

In short: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected by politicians following a dramatic late coalition deal just hours before the vote. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected by politicians following a dramatic late coalition deal just hours before the vote. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was re-elected by politicians for a second term on Friday, after his party …

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 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 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 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 …

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 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 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 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 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 …

Polls close and South Africa counts votes in election framed as its most important since apartheid
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Polls close and South Africa counts votes in election framed as its most important since apartheid

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — South Africans voted Wednesday at schools, community centers, and in large white tents set up in open fields in an election seen as their country’s most important since apartheid ended 30 years ago. After casting his vote, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that he had no doubt his ANC would win again with “a firm majority.” The main opposition …

‘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’s president faces his party’s worst election ever. He’ll still likely be reelected
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s president faces his party’s worst election ever. He’ll still likely be reelected

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa faces the prospect of his ruling party’s worst election result ever. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa greets African National Congress supporters at the Siyanqoba rally at FNB stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2024. Every South African president since 1994 has been from the ANC because of its …

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 …

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 …

South Africa’s election could bring the biggest political shift since it became a democracy in 1994
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s election could bring the biggest political shift since it became a democracy in 1994

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africans will vote Wednesday to decide whether their country will take its most significant political step since the moment 30 years ago when it brought down apartheid and achieved democracy. Then, Nelson Mandela led the African National Congress party to victory as Black South Africans who were the majority were allowed to vote for …

South Africa’s election might be a defining moment — with new complications. Here’s what to know
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s election might be a defining moment — with new complications. Here’s what to know

LA Times  

Supporters of the Inkatha Freedom Party attend an election rally in Richards Bay, near Durban, South Africa, on Sunday, in anticipation of the general elections scheduled for May 29. South Africa’s election will determine how weary the country has become of the ruling African National Congress party, which has been in power since the end of the apartheid system of …

South Africa elections 2024 explained in maps and charts
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa elections 2024 explained in maps and charts

Al Jazeera  

On May 29, South Africans head to the polls. It will be the country’s seventh democratic general election since apartheid ended in 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected president with the ANC winning 62.5 percent of the 400 seats in the National Assembly. South Africa’s election management body, the IEC, cleared 14,889 candidates, including 70 political parties and 11 independents, …

South Africa’s main opposition party rallies support as it concludes election campaign
6 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s main opposition party rallies support as it concludes election campaign

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s main opposition party Democratic Alliance on Sunday made its final appeal to voters to help it unseat the ruling African National Congress as it concluded its campaign ahead of elections this week. The Democratic Alliance is the biggest opposition party in South Africa and has gathered some smaller opposition parties to form a pact known as …

South Africa’s 4 big political parties begin final weekend of campaigning ahead of election
6 months, 4 weeks ago

South Africa’s 4 big political parties begin final weekend of campaigning ahead of election

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s four main political parties began the final weekend of campaigning Saturday before a possibly pivotal election that could bring the country’s most important change in three decades. As thousands of supporters in the ANC’s black, green and gold colors attended its last major rally before the election, Ramaphosa recognized some of the grievances of South Africans, …

It’s possible no party will get a majority in South Africa’s election. Here’s what that would mean
6 months, 4 weeks ago

It’s possible no party will get a majority in South Africa’s election. Here’s what that would mean

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The focus for South Africa’s national election next week is on the fate of the African National Congress party and whether it is going to lose its parliamentary majority for the first time, as many expect. Several polls put the ANC’s support below 50% ahead of Wednesday’s vote, raising the prospect that it might not …

As South Africa election nears, one candidate ditches political parties to go it alone
6 months, 4 weeks ago

As South Africa election nears, one candidate ditches political parties to go it alone

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — An outspoken former activist and member of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress will be among at least 10 independent candidates seeking to become lawmakers for the first time in the country’s history. South Africa is allowing independent candidates to take part for the first time in the country’s national elections next week, following a landmark ruling delivered …

South Africa elections 2024: Ten key people who could shape it
7 months ago

South Africa elections 2024: Ten key people who could shape it

Al Jazeera  

Elections in the country are won based on party popularity, but some personalities are driving the discourse. Cyril Ramaphosa Current South African president and head of the ANC, Ramaphosa is gunning for his second and final election although his party’s standing is set to prove his biggest challenge. John Steenhuisen Head of the official opposition Democratic Alliance, Steenhuisen, 48, is …

South Africa’s election might be a defining moment — with new complications. Here’s what to know
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa’s election might be a defining moment — with new complications. Here’s what to know

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s election will determine how weary the country has become of the ruling African National Congress party, which has been in power since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule 30 years ago. Supporters of Inkatha Freedom Party attend an election rally in Richards Bay, near Durban, South Africa, Sunday, May …

South Africa remembers an historic election every April 27. Here’s why this year is so poignant
7 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa remembers an historic election every April 27. Here’s why this year is so poignant

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africans celebrate their “Freedom Day” every April 27, when they remember their country’s pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid. HEROES FILE — A crowd of people sing and give peace signs during a lunchtime peace march in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa, …

South Africa: 30 years after apartheid, what has changed?
7 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa: 30 years after apartheid, what has changed?

Al Jazeera  

Big socio-political gains have followed apartheid but the legacy of racism and segregation is still starkly visible. From the late 1950s, some 3.5 million Black South Africans were forced to relocate from urban areas, and some 70 percent of the population was squeezed into 13 percent of the country’s most unproductive land. “It was because there was an internal criticism …

Ramaphosa hails ANC record as South Africa marks 30 years of democracy
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Ramaphosa hails ANC record as South Africa marks 30 years of democracy

Al Jazeera  

President Cyril Ramaphosa lauds South Africa’s achievements under his party’s leadership since the end of apartheid in 1994. President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed South Africa’s achievements under his party’s leadership as the country celebrated 30 years of democracy since the end of apartheid. Freedom’s bells rang across our great country,” Ramaphosa, 71, said on Saturday, reminding South Africans about the …

South Africa will mark 30 years of freedom amid inequality, poverty and a tense election ahead
7 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa will mark 30 years of freedom amid inequality, poverty and a tense election ahead

The Hindu  

As 72-year-old Nonki Kunene walks through the corridors of Thabisang Primary School in Soweto, South Africa, she recalls the joy she and many others felt 30 years ago when they voted for the first time. It was at this school on April 27, 1994, that Kunene joined millions of South Africans to brave long queues and take part in the …

South Africa’s election body asks top court to resolve Zuma candidacy
8 months, 1 week ago

South Africa’s election body asks top court to resolve Zuma candidacy

Al Jazeera  

Former President Jacob Zuma hopes to run for office for the opposition uMkhonto weSizwe Party in May elections. South Africa’s electoral commission said it has appealed to the country’s highest court to rule on whether former President Jacob Zuma can stand as a candidate in general elections in May. Zuma is hoping to run for president on behalf of the …

Water cuts add to people’s frustration as South Africa prepares for general polls
9 months, 1 week ago

Water cuts add to people’s frustration as South Africa prepares for general polls

The Hindu  

Anger is mounting in some Johannesburg districts left without water for more than a week, fewer than three months before general elections marked by voter discontent with South Africa’s failing infrastructure. With power cuts and potholes already part of daily life, recent water shortages have increased the frustration of many over poor service delivery — a key election issue — …

South Africa’s ruling party fields election candidates who have faced graft allegations
9 months, 1 week ago

South Africa’s ruling party fields election candidates who have faced graft allegations

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s ruling African National Congress said Monday that six officials facing accusations of corruption have been included on its list of candidates for this year’s election, bringing more scrutiny on a party that already has had its reputation badly damaged by graft. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula told reporters that four of the six were …

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 …

Why South Africa is facing a turning point in May’s national election and who the major players are
9 months, 4 weeks ago

Why South Africa is facing a turning point in May’s national election and who the major players are

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — 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. That would force the ANC into a coalition …

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