SABC News Highlights South African Election 2024 Results and Coalition Talks

On June 2, 2024, SABC News channel 404 and SABC 2 aired a Sunday edition featuring Election 2024 updates. Anchors Liezle Wilson and Simz Ncongwane provided the latest news, while Phemelo Zonke delivered the weather report.

The South African general elections were held on May 29, 2024, marking a critical moment in the country's political trajectory. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) fell short of a majority, securing only 40.21% of the vote. This is a significant drop from their 57.5% share in the 2019 parliamentary elections.

The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), secured 21.80% of the vote, while uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a new party led by former president Jacob Zuma, received 14.60%. The far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, secured 9.48% of the vote.

The outcome of the South African election and potential coalition governments have significant implications for the country's political environment and economy. The formation of a coalition government could lead to changes in policy and governance, affecting the daily lives of South African citizens.

The election results have led to discussions about potential coalition governments. Gwede Mantashe, the ANC chair and current mines and energy minister, indicated that the party is open to coalition talks. He stated, "We can talk to everybody and anybody."

Julius Malema, leader of the EFF, expressed his party's willingness to negotiate with the ANC but rejected the idea of a broad-based government of national unity. Malema emphasized, "We have achieved our mission: ... to bring the ANC below 50pc. We want to humble the ANC."

The ANC's diminished support is attributed to the country's stagnant economy, rising unemployment, and deteriorating infrastructure. The strong performance of MK, especially in Zuma's home province of KwaZulu-Natal, also contributed to the ANC's failure to secure a majority.

As South Africa traverses this new political terrain, the possibility of a coalition government emerges prominently. The coming days will reveal whether the ANC can strike a deal with other parties to maintain its influence.

Key Takeaways

• South Africa's 2024 election results: ANC 40.21%, DA 21.80%, MK 14.60%, EFF 9.48%.
• ANC falls short of majority, a significant drop from 2019's 57.5%.
• Potential coalition governments could lead to policy and governance changes.
• ANC open to coalition talks, while EFF willing to negotiate but rejects unity government.
• ANC's diminished support attributed to stagnant economy, unemployment, and infrastructure issues.