South Africa’s recent general election was marked by major political upheavals, including the rise of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and its leading figure, former president Jacob Zuma. With over three million votes in its favour, the new party created unexpected political momentum. However, despite this success, an alliance between the ANC and MK seems unlikely due to deep personal differences. The question then arises: could rival parties, such as the DA and the ANC, actually work together?
The coalition process that will unfold in the coming weeks will have a significant impact on South Africa’s political future. Compromise and consultation will be essential to reach viable and sustainable agreements, experts stressed during a recent webinar organised by Fatshimetrie in partnership with the Mail & Guardian, which examined the country’s post-election challenges.
Mondli Makhanya, editor of City Press, described the election results as “seismic”, noting that the South African political landscape is changing with the end of single-party dominance. He also highlighted the phenomenon of abstention, which affects a significant portion of the population and often reflects a different expression of political engagement, particularly through protest movements.
For Keolebogile Mbebe, a lecturer in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Pretoria, the success of MK has shaken up conventional expectations of elections. While some have interpreted this phenomenon as Zulu nationalism, Mbebe calls for a more nuanced reading, highlighting the diverse forms of political engagement among South Africans.
The issue of ethnicity in voting was also discussed, highlighting that some parties are managing to mobilise around their regional policies rather than strictly on ethnic grounds. This finding highlights the diversity of concerns of South African voters and the need to rethink dominant narratives.
Finally, the issue of future government coalitions was raised, highlighting the need to rethink the functioning of Parliament and to place critical issues such as access to water and electricity at the heart of political action. As new political forces emerge, it is time for South Africa to build a more inclusive and just future for all its people.
This in-depth look at the post-election political issues in South Africa highlights the complexity of the current political scene and the need to build lasting alliances to address the country’s challenges.