About our 2024 South African General Election news
Latest news on the 2024 South African general election results, with comprehensive coverage of the ANC's historic loss of majority, coalition talks, and reactions from key parties and figures.
The 2024 South African general election, held on 29 May 2024, marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape. The African National Congress (ANC), which has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994, lost its parliamentary majority for the first time, securing only 40.18% of the vote. The Democratic Alliance (DA) came in second with 21.81%, while the newly formed uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, surprised many by securing 14.58% of the vote.
The election results have sparked intense coalition talks, with the ANC seeking to form a government despite its reduced mandate. The party's secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, announced the official opening of negotiations on 2 June, emphasising that the ANC has heard the popular will and is "humbled" by the outcome. However, the DA has warned against a potential "doomsday coalition" comprising the ANC, MK, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), arguing that such a partnership would pursue failed policies.
As the nation awaits the formation of a new government, political analysts and ordinary South Africans are grappling with the implications of the election results. Many see the ANC's loss of majority as a wake-up call for the party, which has been plagued by corruption scandals and economic challenges in recent years. The rise of the MK party, despite the controversy surrounding its leader Jacob Zuma, has also sparked discussions about the enduring appeal of populist politics in South Africa.
The 2024 general election is not only significant for its immediate political consequences but also for its historical context. The ANC's loss of majority comes 30 years after the party's historic victory in the 1994 election, which marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new, democratic era for South Africa. The 2024 results suggest that the country is entering a new phase in its political development, one characterized by greater pluralism and competition among parties.
As coalition talks continue and the nation awaits the formation of a new government, our NewsNow feed on the 2024 South African general election will keep you informed about the latest developments, reactions, and analysis from reliable sources. We cover the key players, including the ANC, DA, MK, and other parties, as well as the perspectives of political analysts, civil society groups, and ordinary South Africans. Stay tuned for comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of this landmark event in South African politics.