South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, re-elected for a second term after the ANC lost its outright majority, on Sunday night announced his new Cabinet.
The Cabinet consists of members of the white-dominated Democratic Alliance (DA) party and various other political parties who have signed on to be part of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The other parties in the GNU are Patriotic Alliance, GOOD, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi, PAC, UDM, IFP, the FF Plus, NFP and the UAT.
Political commentators criticise the new executive as bloated, citing its over 60 ministers and deputy ministers, and noting that several ministerial portfolios include two deputy ministers.
After days of negotiations over ministerial portfolios with the ANC, the DA reportedly accepted Ramaphosa’s final offer on Saturday, June 29.
This decision came after the EFF, led by Julius Malema, approached the ANC to join the Government of National Unity, under the condition that it exclude the DA and Freedom Front Plus.
Ramaphosa appointed ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile as South Africa’s Deputy President and allocated the Ministry of Agriculture to John Steenhuisen, the leader of the DA.
The DA was also given several ministerial portfolios which include:
<ul>
<li>Minister Basic Education: Siviwe Gwarube</li>
<li>Minister of Communications: Solly Malatsi</li>
<li>Minister of Public Works: Dean MacPherson</li>
<li>Minister Home Affairs: Leon Schreiber</li>
<li>Minister of Environmental Affairs: Dion George</li>
</ul>
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GRWQP3mXsAAngDf?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) president Velenkosini Hlabisa was appointed as the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, while Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie is the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
<h3>The full list of Cabinet Ministers is as follows:</h3>
<ul>
<li>The Deputy President is Paul Mashatile.</li>
<li>The Minister of Agriculture is John Steenhuisen.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Agriculture is Rosemary Nokuzola Capa.</li>
<li>The Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Mzwanele Nyhontso.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development is Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.</li>
<li>The Minister of Basic Education is Siviwe Gwarube.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Basic Education is Reginah Mhaule.</li>
<li>The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Solly Malatsi.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies is Mondli Gungubele.</li>
<li>The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Velinkosi Hlabisa.</li>
<li>The Deputy Ministers of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs are Dickson Masemola and Zolile Burns‐Ncamashe.</li>
<li>The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans is Angie Motshekga.</li>
<li>The Deputy Ministers of Defence and Military Veterans are Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo.</li>
<li>The Minister of Electricity and Energy is Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy is Samantha Graham.</li>
<li>The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Blade Nzimande.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation is Nomalungelo Gina.</li>
<li>The Minister of Employment and Labour is Nomakhosazana Meth.</li>
<li>The Deputy Ministers of Employment and Labour are Jomo Sibiya and Phumzile Mgcina.</li>
<li>The Minister of Finance is Enoch Godongwana.</li>
<li>The Deputy Ministers of Finance are David Masondo and Ashor Sarupen.</li>
<li>The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment is Dion George.</li>
<li>The Deputy Ministers of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment are Narend Singh and Bernice Swarts.</li>
<li>The Minister of Health is Aaron Motsoaledi.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Health is Joe Phaahla.</li>
<li>The Minister of Higher Education is Nobuhle Nkabane.</li>
<li>The Deputy Ministers of Higher Education are Buti Manamela and Mimmy Gondwe.</li>
<li>The Minister of Home Affairs is Leon Schreiber.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Home Affairs is Njabulo Nzuza.</li>
<li>The Minister of Human Settlements is Mmamoloko Kubayi.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Human Settlements is Tandi Mahambehlala.</li>
<li>The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is Ronald Lamola.</li>
<li>The Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation are Alvin Botes and Tandi Moraka.</li>
<li>The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Thembi Nkadimeng.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is Andries Nel.</li>
<li>The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Gwede Mantashe.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources is Judith Nemadzinga‐Tshabalala.</li>
<li>The Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Maropene Ramokgopa.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation is Seiso Mohai.</li>
<li>The Minister of Police is Senzo Mchunu.</li>
<li>The Deputy Ministers of Police are Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale.</li>
<li>The Minister in the Presidency is Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.</li>
<li>The Deputy Ministers in the Presidency are Nonceba Mhlauli and Kenneth Morolong.</li>
<li>The Minister of Public Service and Administration is Mzamo Buthelezi.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration is Pinky Kekana.</li>
<li>The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Dean Macpherson.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure is Sihle Zikalala.</li>
<li>The Minister of Small Business Development is Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Small Business Development is Jane Sithole.</li>
<li>The Minister of Social Development is Sisisi Tolashe.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Social Development is Ganief Hendricks.</li>
<li>The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is Gayton McKenzie.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is Peace Mabe.</li>
<li>The Minister of Tourism is Patricia De Lille.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Tourism is Maggie Sotyu.</li>
<li>The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition is Parks Tau.</li>
<li>The Deputy Ministers of Trade, Industry and Competition are Zuko Godlimpi and Andrew Whitfield.</li>
<li>The Minister of Transport is Barbara Creecy.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Transport is Mkhuleko Hlengwa.</li>
<li>The Minister of Water and Sanitation is Pemmy Majodina.</li>
<li>The Deputy Ministers of Water and Sanitation are David Mahlobo and Isaac Seitlholo.</li>
<li>The Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Sindisiwe Chikunga.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is Mmapaseka Steve Letsike.</li>
<li>The Minister of Correctional Services is Pieter Groenewald.</li>
<li>The Deputy Minister of Correctional Services is Lindiwe Ntshalintshali. </li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Ramaphosa Announces "Bloated" GNU Cabinet, Steenhuisen Is Minister Of Agriculture

South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, is set to announce a new Cabinet on Sunday, 30 June 2024, which is expected to comprise members of different political parties that are part of a Government of National Unity (GNU).
This comes after Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) party, and the white-dominated Democratic Alliance (DA), reached a deal on the composition of the cabinet.
IOL last week reported sources as saying the talks had collapsed due to several leaked letters with both parties accusing each other of negotiating in bad faith.
However, the parties reportedly made a breakthrough on Saturday after crisis talks.
In a statement issued on Sunday afternoon, the South African Presidency said President Ramaphosa would announce a new National Executive at 9 PM on Sunday. Reads the statement in part:
<blockquote>
The announcement – which will be in the form of a televised address to the nation – follows the inauguration of President Ramaphosa on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, which in turn followed the President’s election by the National Assembly on Friday, 14 June.
The new National Executive will constitute the 7th Democratic Administration as a Government of National Unity comprising a diversity of political parties as an outcome of the national and provincial elections held on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.
</blockquote>
Citing sources, <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/done-deal-anc-and-da-reach-agreement-after-reviving-talks-8f4a9b88-880b-4082-9d90-cfc27502ef73">IOL</a> reported that the DA will assume control of six key cabinet positions and ministries as part of the power-sharing arrangement. These are:
<ul>
<li>Home Affairs</li>
<li>Basic Education</li>
<li>Public Works and Infrastructure</li>
<li>Communications and Digital Technologies</li>
<li>Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment</li>
<li>Agriculture</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

SA: Ramaphosa To Announce A New Cabinet On Sunday

The coalition agreement between South Africa’s two largest political parties, the ANC and DA, has collapsed, <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/breaking-news-anc-coalition-with-da-collapses-amid-leaked-letters-and-public-spats-349474a8-48ca-4a39-96d9-e7b3fe0755b5">reported IOL</a>.
Citing highly placed sources within the ANC, IOL reported that the power-sharing deal between the two parties is all but over following a series of disagreements and public spats between them.
As part of the Government of National Unity (GNU) arrangement, the ANC and DA attained about 60% of the seats in Parliament, with other parties also signing a document of intent.
However just a week after the coalition elected ANC’s Cyril Ramaphosa as president, the deal has reportedly collapsed due to a squabble over positions and ministries. Said a source:
<blockquote>
It’s all but over. The ANC in general wasn’t very thrilled with a DA coalition. This has been made worse because of how the DA has conducted itself, particularly around leaking information and letters to the media.
</blockquote>
Another source who was privy to the high-level discussions told IOL that the ANC negotiating team was not happy with the DA’s posture. Said the source:
<blockquote>
The way the ANC is being spoken to and how they (the DA) are coming across is a problem. The feeling is that we don’t need the DA to form a government, so they must not think they can dictate the terms to us.
</blockquote>
Ramaphosa, in a letter to DA leader, John Steenhuisen, has accused the DA of jeopardising the formation of a unified government.
This follows reports that the Department of Trade and Industry portfolio is a source of tension in the ongoing negotiations between the DA and the ANC.
Helen Zille, the DA Federal Chairperson, recently wrote a letter to ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, informing him that her party deserved a score of ministerial positions in the GNU.
Initially, the DA demanded 12 ministerial positions, including that of the deputy president, but after ironing out matters, the ANC resolved to give the DA six ministerial portfolios.
The ministerial portfolios offered to the DA included Home Affairs; Basic Education; Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC); Public Works and Infrastructure; Communications and Digital Technologies; and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
However, Steenhuisen wrote to Ramaphosa, stating that the six cabinet positions allocated to the DA were insufficient, and requesting two additional portfolios, for a total of eight ministerial posts.
Steenhuisen suggested that the portfolios of Sports, Arts and Culture, Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform, or Public Service and Administration be allocated to them in addition to the six existing Cabinet portfolios.
In a final letter to Steenhuisen, Ramaphosa accused the DA of shifting the “goalposts” with their constantly changing demands. Said Ramaphosa:
<blockquote>
I regard your approach in moving the goalposts as a continuation of what was articulated in your Federal Chair’s letter of 22 June 2024 on issues such as ‘sealed mandates’ of Ministries, through which the DA seemed to want to set up a parallel government that would operate outside the framework and parameters of the constitution-based method and protocols of running the government of the Republic of South Africa.
</blockquote>
Ramaphosa said the DA’s latest proposals do not match the principles outlined in the Statement of Intent.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa: ANC-DA Coalition Agreement Falls Apart | Report

South Africa’s former ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has reacted with anger to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) demand to be granted 11 cabinet positions, including the role of Deputy President, in the proposed Government of National Unity (GNU).
On Sunday, the DA’s federal chair, Helen Zille, sent a letter to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, stating that her party was seeking 11 ministerial and deputy ministerial posts within the GNU.
According to the letter which has since surfaced on social media, the DA wants the following ministries:
<ul>
<li>Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy</li>
<li>Ministry of Transport (with Transnet reallocated to this portfolio)</li>
<li>Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition</li>
<li>Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure (provided the infrastructure function now sitting in the Presidency is relocated to this portfolio.)</li>
<li>Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation</li>
<li>Ministry of Public Service and Administration</li>
<li>Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs</li>
<li>Ministry of Justice</li>
<li>Ministry of Home Affairs</li>
<li>Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation</li>
<li>Ministry of Communication and Digital Technologies</li>
</ul>
The ANC, which had been in power for the past 30 years, resorted to proposing the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) after failing to secure a majority of over 50% in parliament, managing only 40% of the national vote in the May 29, 2024 elections.
So far, ten parties including the ANC, DA, IFP, PA, FF+, UDM, RISE Mzansi, Al Jamah, PAC, and GOOD have assented to the GNU deal.
In a statement issued this Monday, the ANC responded angrily to the DA’s demands, describing them as “outlandish and outrageous”, and asserting that no single party should be allowed to hold the proposed GNU “to ransom”. The ANC said:
<blockquote>
The ANC notes with concern that some parties have been making outlandish and outrageous demands for specific Cabinet positions in the media.
Negotiating through leaking demands to the media is an act of bad faith and this practice will not help the cause of any party. It is only the President who has the final say on the appointment of his Cabinet.
The GNU cannot be held to ransom by any single party. The people need a government to be established sooner, rather than later.
</blockquote>
The white-dominated party wants a Deputy President who is also designated as the Leader of Government Business and participates fully in the policy development and monitoring responsibilities of the Presidency.
The DA also said it can only agree to give up the Deputy President position if it is replaced with both a Minister in the Presidency and a Deputy Minister of Finance.
The Deputy Minister of Finance should be allowed to participate fully in the development of the budget.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ANC Slams "Outrageous" DA Demands For 11 Key Ministries In Government Of National Unity

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has said the formation of the second Government of National Unity (GNU) is a significant development in South Africa’s democracy. 
The country’s first GNU was established in 1994 to promote nation-building and inclusivity from a racially divided past during a period of political transition following the end of apartheid.
In a statement on Monday, 24 June, Ramaphosa said the GNU should drive a programme that improves the lives of all South Africa’s people rather than focus on who gets which ministerial position among the parties. He said:
<blockquote>
South Africans made clear with their votes in last month’s elections that they want their elected representatives to put aside narrow interests and work together to build the country.
To do so, the GNU cannot be preoccupied with jockeying for positions, tussles over appointments or squabbles within and between parties.
The success of the GNU will be measured by the extent to which we are prepared to focus not on who will govern, but on how we will govern, together.
</blockquote>
The parties that have signed to join the ANC-led GNU are the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Patriotic Alliance (PA), 
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), GOOD, Pan Africanist, Congress of Azania (PAC), Vryheidsfront Plus (FF+), 
United Democratic Movement (UDM), Rise Mzansi, and Al Jama-ah.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

GNU Must Put South Africans' Interests First - Ramaphosa

South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa began his second term on Wednesday, 19 June, after he took the oath of office at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) share of the vote fell to 40% in the 29 May 2024 general election, from 57% in 2019, the party’s worst election result since apartheid ended in South Africa in 1994.
Despite the humiliation, Ramaphosa made it clear that he accepted and respected the results as he officially began his second term at the helm of a government of national unity (GNU) incorporating the white-dominated party, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other smaller parties. Said Ramaphosa (<a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/i-stand-before-you-as-a-humble-servant-and-we-have-heard-you-president-cyril-ramaphosa-sworn-in-3eeae6da-4901-4e42-bcbe-934bdf6dc0a8">via IOL</a>):
<blockquote>
The voters of South Africa did not give any single party the full mandate to govern our country alone. They have directed us to work together to address their plight and realise their aspirations.
They have expressed their appreciation for the progress in many areas of their lives over the past 30 years of democracy.
They have also been unequivocal in expressing their disappointment and disapproval of our performance in some of the areas in which we have failed them.
Above all, the people of South Africa have stressed that they are impatient with political bickering and the endless blame game among politicians and political parties.
They want us to put their needs and aspirations first and they want us to work together for the sake of our country.
</blockquote>
Ramaphosa noted that despite the progress and milestones achieved, South African society remains deeply unequal and highly polarised. He said:
<blockquote>
There are toxic cleavages and an incipient social fragmentation that can easily turn into instability. The lines drawn by our history, between black and white, between man and woman, between suburbs and townships, between urban and rural, between the wealthy and the poor, remain etched in our landscape.
In some places, these lines may have faded, but they have not disappeared. We are citizens of one country and yet we occupy different worlds, separated by high walls and great distances.
</blockquote>
Ramaphosa said anarchists and those seeking the collapse of the State will not succeed in their machinations. He said:
<blockquote>
We must reject every attempt to divide or distract us, to sow doubt or cynicism, or to turn us against one another.
Those who seek to stand in our way, those who seek to inflame tensions, will not succeed, because South Africans are resolute.
Those who seek to undermine our institutions will fail because democracy lives in the hearts of our people and will never be dislodged.
</blockquote>
Several heads of State from different parts of the world including Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa were at the Union Buildings to witness Ramaphosa’s inauguration.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Sworn In

President Emmerson Mnangagwa travelled to South Africa on Tuesday, 18 June, to attend the inauguration of President Cyril Ramaphosa, leader of the African National Congress (ANC).
The inauguration will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today.
Posting on his X page yesterday, Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe and South Africa will continue pushing for a prosperous and united Africa. He wrote:
<blockquote>
Today, I arrived at Waterkloof Airforce Base in South Africa and will have the honour of attending President @CyrilRamaphosa’s inauguration. President Ramaphosa’s re-election underscores the enduring bond and shared aspirations between our two nations. Together, we continue to strive for a prosperous and united Africa.
</blockquote>
In a statement, the South African Presidency said at least 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Government and nine heads of delegation are expected to attend.
Ramaphosa garnered 283 votes ahead of Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) who received 44 votes during the Presidential election at Parliament in Cape Town on Friday last week.
The ANC was forced into a coalition government (Government of National Unity) that includes the white-dominated Democratic Alliance (DA), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), GOOD, and the Patriotic Alliance (PA), after it failed to obtain the 50-plus per cent threshold in the general election that was held on May 29.
The ANC won the lion’s share of the votes and has 159 seats, the DA has 87 seats, the IFP has 17 seats, the PA has 9 seats, and the GOOD Party has 1 seat.
Unlike in Zimbabwe, where the President and MPs are elected directly by voters, in South Africa, MPs are elected from party lists.
The percentage of votes each party wins results in the same percentage of MPs in Parliament and Parliament then elects a president.
Ramaphosa was elected by MPs from the ANC, the DA and their coalition partners.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Mnangagwa In South Africa To Attend Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential Inauguration

Former President Jacob Zuma’s political party, uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), has decided to boycott the inauguration of re-elected President Cyril Ramaphosa this Wednesday, 19 June, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The African National Congress (ANC) leader will be inaugurated for his second term under a coalition arrangement with four other parties the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), GOOD, and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
The coalition government, which the parties refer to as a Government of National Unity (GNU), was formed after the ANC failed to win a majority in the 29 May elections.
The newly formed MK Party emerged as South Africa’s third-biggest party in the recent elections after winning 58 seats in Parliament, which has 400 seats.
MK party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela, said the party won’t participate in Ramaphosa’s inauguration. Said Ndhlela (via <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/mk-party-members-to-boycott-cyril-ramaphosas-presidential-inauguration-75711a0c-f560-4565-ae4a-4f72778c6ea0">IOL</a>):
<blockquote>
We refuse to join in the spitting of the graves of those who died for this freedom by attending the symbolic wedding ceremony of a house negro called Ramaphosa with the slave master, Helen Zille.
Previously, the Umkhonto WeSizwe party deliberately boycotted the first sitting of the National Assembly, where members of the unholy, racist DA-ANC coalition voted for each other, betraying our struggle for total freedom and land repossession.
</blockquote>
He accused the ANC of selling its soul to the DA to secure the position of President for Ramaphosa and vowed to use all legal routes to fight and destroy the incoming government.
This comes after the MK Party’s court application to have the May 29 elections declared invalid, citing a litany of irregularities, failed at the Constitutional Court.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

MK Party MPs To Boycott Cyril Ramaphosa’s Presidential Inauguration

South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) has announced the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) with four other political parties namely the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), GOOD, and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
In a statement issued this Monday, June 17, 2024, ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said all political parties represented in legislatures remain welcome to join the GNU.
Notable parties that have hitherto refused to join the GNU are the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) led by former president Jacob Zuma.
Bhengu-Motsiri said the five parties collectively have 273 seats in the National Assembly or 68% of the seats. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
In the spirit of our nation’s enduring struggle for equality and progress, the African National Congress (ANC) proudly announces the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) following the 2024 elections.
This collaborative effort is rooted in our shared commitment to uphold the Constitution, promote non-racialism, and ensure social justice and equity for all South Africans.
Five parties have officially signed the Statement of Intent to participate in the GNU: The ANC, Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), GOOD, and the Patriotic Alliance (PA). This collective represents 273 seats in the National Assembly (NA) or 68% of the seats in the NA.
Discussions with other parties are ongoing in the spirit of inclusivity. The ANC once again takes this 
opportunity to invite political parties who resolved to define themselves outside this effort to reconsider and join the GNU.
The results of the 2024 elections, where the ANC secured 40% of the national vote and faced challenges in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, necessitated cooperation with other parties to advance our transformative agenda.
The GNU emerged as the optimal approach to defend and advance our vision of a united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous South Africa.
This collaborative initiative is founded on core principles, including upholding the Constitution and Rule of Law, promoting non-racialism and non-sexism, and ensuring social justice, redress, equity, and poverty alleviation.
Our aim is to foster nation-building, social cohesion, and unity in diversity while maintaining peace, stability, and safe communities. Ensuring accountability, transparency, and community participation in governance is paramount.
The GNU’s priorities and minimum programme are fully aligned with the ANC’s longstanding commitments and policies. We are dedicated to achieving rapid, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, job creation, land reform, industrialization, and infrastructure development.
Our objective is to create a just society that addresses poverty, spatial inequalities, food security, and the high cost of living while protecting workers’ rights and delivering quality basic services.
The GNU will ensure representation in government and legislatures by all participating parties, making decisions by consensus, with mechanisms for conflict resolution where necessary.
The President will exercise the prerogative to appoint the Cabinet, in consultation with leaders of GNU parties, adhering to existing protocols on government decision-making and budgeting.
All political parties represented in legislatures remain welcome to join the GNU even after its formation as its very ethos is a spirit of inclusivity.
It’s essential to dispel any misconceptions regarding the opposition’s ability to outmanoeuvre the ANC’s vision.
Historically, our party has demonstrated superior reasoning and leadership, evident in our continued presence in eight out of nine provinces.
The GNU, an ANC-led initiative, ensures that no single party, whether the DA, IFP, or others, can hold our national agenda hostage.
As we navigate through these complex times, the ANC reaffirms its commitment to inclusive governance and national dialogue.
We invite all sectors of society to participate in forging a social compact aimed at tackling inequality, poverty, and unemployment.
The modalities of the GNU ensure representation and decision-making by all participating parties, safeguarding consensus-building and conflict-resolution mechanisms.
In closing, the ANC is dedicated to a smooth and inclusive transition that honours the aspirations of every South African.
Together, with unity and shared purpose, we will navigate challenges and build a stronger, more prosperous nation for all. Let us do more, together.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ANC Announces Formation Of Government Of National Unity

Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to work with all parties in Parliament following his re-election as the president of the seventh administration of the Republic of South Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday night.
In a speech that went on past midnight following a marathon sitting of the National Assembly, Ramaphosa said he accepted the “big responsibility” of leading the country and called on South Africans to work together, <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/an-era-of-hope-ramaphosa-calls-for-national-unity-after-being-re-elected-president-b86954f6-5341-4427-80ca-e969e2b4b180">reported IOL</a>. He said:
<blockquote>
Your messages are a clear clarion call for working together. Your messages constitute what I see as a well of encouragement, of good advice, and of wisdom.
I want to thank the members of this august house who have voted for me, who, through their votes, have invested and placed their trust in me.
I intend to work with all members and indeed to work together with even those who did not vote for me.
We are all South Africans, and I want to serve all and work with even those who did not support me tonight.
It’s not so much the result of the vote that was delivered, but the historic meaning of the vote and this moment that we find ourselves in that is truly significant.
That a number of parties that had opposed each other but represented the majority of South Africans have decided to work together to deliver this result has given birth to a new era for our country.
I do sincerely believe that. This is an era of hope. And it’s also an era of inclusivity, as diverse political parties who competed against each other in the election we just had.
</blockquote>
In the election of the president, Ramaphosa defeated his challenger, EFF leader, Julius Malema by 283 votes to 44 with the help of his partners in the newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU).
The African National Congress (ANC)’s coalition partners include the Democratic Alliance, the Inkatha Freedom Party, the National Freedom Party, the Patriotic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus.
Ramaphosa said the results of the general elections on May 29 made it clear that South Africans wanted the leaders of the country to work together. He said:
<blockquote>
They expect the parties for which they voted to find common ground, to overcome their differences, to act and work together for the good of everyone in our country.
The stark reality of the results of our past election is that no single party represented in this house achieved an outright majority to work alone, legislatively and also at the executive level.
Through their votes, our people expect all parties to work together within the framework of our Constitution and to work as political parties to achieve the objectives of a democratic society based on non-racialism, non-sexism, peace, and justice, to ensure stability and to tackle the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality, and to achieve prosperity for all.
</blockquote>
Ramaphosa also rejected criticism that the incoming administration was not a government of national unity but a “grand coalition between the ANC and DA.” He said:
<blockquote>
I wish to state very clearly this is not a grand coalition of two or three parties. It is a government of national unity that we are constituting, and we’ve been here before. We were here in 1994 when we sought to unite our country and effect reconciliation.
We are here now, as directed by the votes that our people delivered, to work together to ensure that we address the challenges that they face.
</blockquote>
Malema said the ANC-DA coalition was “a marriage that seeks to undermine the changing of property relations in South Africa”. He said:
<blockquote>
We refuse to sell out. We have never done so when we were young, and we’re not going to do so today. We don’t have a history of being collaborators.
We are going to ensure that this parliament is functional. We can reassure you that will not fight with any bouncers.
We’re going to be the best and most effective opposition that is going to ensure that both you and the DA are held accountable.
This is not a government of national unity. This is a grand coalition between the ANC and the white monopoly capital. History will judge you and judge you harshly.
</blockquote>
Earlier on Friday, the ANC’s Thoko Didiza was elected Speaker of the National Assembly after beating EFF’s Veronica Mente by 284 votes to 49 in an election that was presided over by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
Didiza then presided over the election of the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, with the DA’s Annelie Lotriet emerging victorious.
Lotriet beat the African Transformation Movement (ATM)’s Vuyo Zungula by 273 votes to 54 as part of an agreement with the ANC to form a Government of National Unity.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Cyril Ramaphosa Re-elected President Of South Africa

South African opposition politician Julius Malema on Thursday said that the African National Congress (ANC) was dying a natural death with or without former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, reported <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/the-anc-is-dying-a-natural-death-and-let-mk-party-lead-in-kzn-says-eff-leader-julius-malema-be79ba35-3a7a-4801-a2fb-3d60fb5c5c8c">IOL</a>.
Malema also reiterated that the EFF will not be part of a Government of National Unity (GNU) which includes the DA and Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus).
Addressing the media yesterday, Malema said when the ANC met with the DA, they discussed positions and not principals. He said:
<blockquote>
The DA has no principal agreements with the ANC, they have agreed on positions.
</blockquote>
Malema said the EFF would remain an opposition party, opposed to the current government.
He also revealed that the EFF held meetings with the leadership of the ANC, MKP, United Democratic Movement (UDM), African Transformation Movement (ATM), Al Jama-ah, and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC). Said Malema:
<blockquote>
Despite our commitment to unite all opposition parties to completely remove the ANC from power since it was rejected by 59% of voters in South Africa, we did not and will never meet with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and all right-wing Oppenheimer-funded political parties.
These right-wing and neo-liberal parties represent a reactionary, counter-revolutionary, and neo-colonial agenda which seeks to protect the existing property relations in South Africa where the white minority continue to be the economic majority.
</blockquote>
Malema said the EFF does not have any concrete agreement with the ANC and was waiting for the party to get back to them after two official meetings. He said:
<blockquote>
We are, however, aware that the ANC is finalising an agreement to work with the DA, the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) and other reactionary political parties.
As we said before, the EFF will not participate in a government that includes right-wing and reactionary political parties.
We have communicated this decision and approach to the leadership of the ANC and all other political parties that we are engaged with.
</blockquote>
He said the EFF will, however, participate in Parliament and Provincial Legislatures and will contest for the positions of speakers, deputy speakers, and chairpersons of committees.
Malema also assured South Africans that the EFF will not play a role in the disruption of the National Assembly, but instead would be robust and engaging.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The ANC Is Dying A Natural Death, Says Malema

The Constitutional Court of South Africa on Wednesday dismissed the application by the uMkhonto weSizwe Political Party (MK Party) led by former President, Jacob Zuma, to interdict the first sitting of the National Assembly to elect a new president scheduled for Friday.
The order, delivered late on Wednesday night, said the decisions at issue in the case were not matters for the Constitutional Court’s exclusive jurisdiction and it was not in the interests of justice to allow the MK Party direct access to the highest court. The court said:
<blockquote>
It is not in the interests of justice to grant direct access as the impugned decisions or conduct first arose between 1 and 2 June 2024, to the knowledge of the applicant. However, despite this knowledge, the applicant only launched the application on 10 June 2024.
The applicant has failed to show any justification for not bringing this application sooner when it was aware of the constitutional requirement to convene the National Assembly no later than 14 days after the declaration of the election results. In the circumstances, the urgency is thus self-created.
</blockquote>
The Constitutional Court also said the MK Party application failed on its merits. It said:
<blockquote>
The applicant has not made out a case for the granting of an interim interdict as it has neither shown that it will suffer irreparable harm if the interdict is not granted, nor that the balance of convenience favours the granting of the interdict. The applicant has also misconstrued the relevant constitutional provisions it seeks to rely on.
In addition, the applicant has not adduced facts to establish a prima facie case in respect of the relief it will seek in the main application, in order to sustain an interim interdict pending the main application.
</blockquote>
The Constitutional Court ruled that the relief sought by the MK Party would have adverse consequences for other parties who had not been properly served. It said:
<blockquote>
Even if the applicant met all the requirements for direct access, absent proper service, the applicant cannot be entitled to the relief sought. Consequently, the application must be dismissed. The application has been refused.
</blockquote>
The order was concurred on by ten justices of the Constitutional Court: Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, justices Jody Kollapen, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Stevan Majiedt, Rammaka Mathopo, Nonkosi Mhlantla, Owen Rogers, Leona Theron and Zukisa Tshiqi and acting justice Pat Gamble.
More: <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/breaking-concourt-rules-against-zumas-mk-partys-bid-to-halt-parliament-electing-a-new-president-ecab445f-1670-44f2-98f1-952f51ff88b4">IOL</a>, <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/2024-06-12-constitutional-court-dismisses-mk-party-application-to-halt-first-sitting-of-parliament/">TimesLive</a>

Jacob Zuma's MK Party Loses Bid To Halt National Assembly First Sitting

South Africa and ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership is now on shaky ground after he reportedly lost his grip on the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
<a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/just-in-president-cyril-ramaphosa-has-lost-his-grip-on-anc-nec-amid-gnu-talks-with-da-bc907e0a-263f-42c1-9dcd-53d60da0fe16">IOL</a> reported “highly placed sources within the NEC” as saying there has been a significant shift in the balance of power away from Ramaphosa following a move to push through an ANC-DA coalition government.
The ANC’s NEC met last week to discuss its various options for forming a new government.
The ANC-DA coalition was defeated, with the NEC favouring a more measured Government of National Unity (GNU).
However, some ANC officials are reportedly frustrating parties like the EFF and MKP out of any discussions.
The ANC failed to win an outright majority in the 29 May National and Provincial elections and received 40.18% support.
Speaking to IOL, political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe said Ramaphosa failed to deliver and should resign. He said:
<blockquote>
Any leader who has any integrity will not be forced to step down from the position. The election outcomes were disastrous… Ramaphosa is obsessed with the idea of being a president.
</blockquote>
Seepe said if an ANC-DA coalition was pushed through, it could spell the end of Ramaphosa in the ANC.
He argued that it was a wrong move for the president to even consider talks with the DA after it had opposed many of its policies over the years including the recent signing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) bill. He said:
<blockquote>
Don’t be surprised when people take you as the enemy. The DA has opposed many policies of the ANC, so why go with a party that has always pushed you around?
This is the same party that suggested it would take further steps on the Phala Phala matter.
</blockquote>
The growing influence of ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, and Nomvula Mokonyane over the NEC is being viewed as a sign of the shifting power dynamic within the party. Said a source:
<blockquote>
Ramaphosa has lost the NEC and this is going to prove detrimental to him in the next few weeks or months. The push for a DA coalition by those loyal to the president was widely rejected by the NEC.
</blockquote>
Reports at the weekend suggested that the ANC NEC was concerned that those close to Ramaphosa were trying to engineer “side deals” with the DA.
The meeting, apparently widely rejected a coalition with the DA and was said to be in favour of an ANC, IFP, EFF, and PA coalition. Said a source:
<blockquote>
The NEC could not bring itself to work with the DA and preferred the so-called “black pact” grouping. Ideologically it makes sense for the ANC.
</blockquote>
Another IOL source said the sense from the NEC was that if the ANC-DA coalition was pushed, it will end in tears for Ramaphosa. Said the source:
<blockquote>
The NEC will recall him if this line continues. The last meeting was a clear indicator of this. In fact, the GNU could very well have a different president in a couple of months. That is how fluid the situation is right now.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Seepe warned that the ANC-DA coalition would be the total end of the ANC.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ramaphosa Loses Grip On ANC NEC Amid GNU Talks With DA | Report

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) has filed an urgent application at the Constitutional Court to interdict the first sitting of Parliament set for Friday, 14 June.
According to <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/political-parties/live-all-the-latest-news-analysis-and-results-from-the-2024-south-african-general-elections-20240527">News24</a>, MKP is taking Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, Parliament secretary Xolile George and others to the ConCourt over the party’s claims that, without its presence at the swearing-in, the first sitting will not quorate.
In a two-part application, the MKP asks the Constitutional Court to urgently hear its application and to interdict Friday’s first sitting of the National Assembly from proceeding.
In the second part, the party is seeking the court to declare Zondo’s and Secretary to Parliament Xolile George’s conduct in proceeding with the sitting as “inconsistent with the Constitution”.
MKP also want a declaratory order that the National Assembly is not properly constituted if the first sitting “consists of no less than 340 members and no more than 400” and if these members have not been sworn in.
Furthermore, the party wants the apex court to set aside the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) declaration of the elections as free and fair and to order President Cyril Ramaphosa to proclaim another election.
MKP secretary-general Sihle Ngubane alleges in his affidavit that there is a “potential” tally of 590 000 votes that were affected by “discrepancies”.
Ngubane argues that the matter will end up in the Electoral Court and therefore a new president cannot be elected before the matter has been heard.
Parliament will continue with the sitting unless interdicted by the ConCourt.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

MK Party Files Urgent ConCourt Application To Interdict First Sitting Of Parliament

The first sitting of South Africa’s Parliament to elect the president and National Assembly Speaker has been scheduled for 10 AM on Friday, amid reports political parties including the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA) and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) are locked in talks for a unity government.
<a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/coalition-nation-ifps-velenkosini-hlabisa-tipped-to-be-second-deputy-president-in-gnu-20240611">News24</a> reported sources close to negotiations as saying an ANC-DA-IFP coalition could see IFP president Velenkosini Hlabisa become the second deputy president once the seventh administration takes shape under a government of national unity (GNU).
The ANC is said to be strongly leaning towards a GNU with the DA and the IFP, amid speculation that Hlabisa could serve alongside Paul Mashatile as deputy president.
The National Assembly Speaker’s position, which the DA could likely take on, is also being debated in the talks.
Having two deputy presidents would not be unprecedented in South Africa. In 1994, former president FW de Klerk served as deputy president alongside Thabo Mbeki during Nelson Mandela’s tenure.
The first sitting of Parliament and provincial legislatures would take place on Friday, 14 June.
The inauguration is expected to take place on 19 June.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is expected to convene the first sitting. After the members of the National Assembly have been sworn in, or after the prescribed affirmation has been administered, Zondo will preside over the election of the Speaker of the National Assembly.
According to News24, once the Speaker has been elected, he or she will then preside over the election of the deputy speaker. Thereafter, Zondo will take over the election of the president.
A senior ANC member, close to the negotiations, said the party was working to be “as accommodating as possible” of other parties.
He said that, although modalities of the GNU were being discussed behind closed doors, no names had been discussed.
Approached for comment by News24 on Monday, Hlabisa said he could not talk because he was in an NEC meeting.
IFP secretary-general Siphosethu Ngcobo referred News24 to national spokesperson Liezl van der Merwe, whose phone went to voicemail.
Meanwhile, the DA’s Federal Council also met on Monday, in what insiders report was a tense meeting.
A source said the party would have a weakened role in Parliament if they entered a coalition or GNU with the ANC.
DA leader John Steenhuisen put up a strong argument for participation in government, and the meeting had to be extended due to logistics and travel arrangements, continuing on Tuesday.
News24 understands that reducing the number of Cabinet ministers could balance the scales, which favours the ANC. Said a source:
<blockquote>
The plan is that even if the DA is not in agreement with something, they, along with the smaller parties, might have a majority, even though the MK Party and EFF are not part of the deal because they [the ANC] will have 210, without the DA, MK Party and EFF, which still gives them the numbers.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa: IFP's Velenkosini Hlabisa Tipped To Be Second Deputy President In GNU

The Federal Council of the Democratic Alliance (DA) was set to meet on Monday at the party’s headquarters in Bruma, Johannesburg.
As reported by <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/da-federal-council-meets-on-monday-to-discuss-gnu/">SABC News</a>, the party’s top leadership will be discussing power-sharing arrangements with the African National Congress (ANC) and other parties.
The DA garnered nearly 22% of the national vote, won the majority in the Western Cape, and showed a presence in all other provinces in the 29 May 2024 National and Provincial elections.
DA’s National Spokesperson Solly Malatsi said that the party will also specifically look at the ANC proposal to form a government of national unity (GNU). Said Malatsi:
<blockquote>
The DA welcomes the fact that negotiations are now moving to a substantive negotiation phase. Our negotiation team based on the announcement made by the president last night have further meetings with other parties to listen to their views and reactions.
We also hope to get more details from the ANC about the finer details of what a government of national unity entails which will then be deliberated by our federal executive and subsequently, our federal council will then be deliberated on Monday.
</blockquote>
The proposal to have the ANC and the DA working together has drawn mixed reactions, with the South African Communist Party saying it would be going against its anti-capitalist agenda.
Meanwhile, the DA laid down stringent conditions under which parties would be included in the GNU.
The party said it would only agree to be part of ANC’s proposed governing structure if the uMkhonto weSizwe, Economic Freedom Fighters and Patriotic Alliance were excluded.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/gnu-arrogant-da-could-find-itself-out-of-multiparty-government-says-mk-party-b27678be-6c95-4096-ab01-2e03a720a251">IOL</a>, senior MK leader Muzi Ntshingila said the DA will likely be out of the GNU. Said Ntshingila:
<blockquote>
The DA has already isolated itself by being arrogant in ignoring the will of the people and the majority who voted for MK in KwaZulu-Natal.
Progressive black forces are willing to put the country and the vision of the majority of our people first and will come together to do that.
</blockquote>
Ntshingila added the party’s stance on not accepting ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa as part of any new formation still stands.
He, however, hinted at compromises being made to ensure their bigger prize in keeping the DA out of any government coalition is achieved.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

DA Federal Council Meets To Discuss GNU

South Africa’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party led by Former President Jacob Zuma wants to interdict the first sitting of Parliament.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the party said it has instructed its lawyers to file papers in the Constitutional Court to prevent the swearing-in of National Assembly members.
The MKP says the swearing-in of National Assembly members should not go ahead until irregularities regarding the recent general elections are resolved. Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
On Friday, June 7, 2024, the MK Party’s legal representatives issued a formal demand to the Chief Justice and the Secretary to Parliament, the authorities responsible for arranging the inaugural session of the National Assembly within 14 days following the election results announcement.
We argue that unresolved objections and the veracity of the substance by MK Party and other political parties who represent the will of the people, render this “market-based” declaration, and consequently the sitting and all its activities unconstitutional.
Furthermore, and in defence of our people’s constitutional rights, the MK Party will file papers with the constitutional court to interdict the swearing-in of party-nominated candidates as members of the National Assembly until our grievances, which are premised on allegations of election fraud and rigging, are thoroughly addressed by the courts.
Legally, the absence of MK Party members will prevent achieving the composition of the 350 members required to lawfully constitute the National Assembly, further invalidating the session which aims to appoint a President and therefore the government of the country.
Despite our legally sound and legitimate objections as submitted in line with section 55 to the IEC, the parliament’s response disregarded our request by spearheading an agenda to proceed regardless of such concerns which are serious in their nature.
In response, we have directed our attorneys to urgently seek an interdict from the Constitutional Court to postpone the session while these critical legal issues and questionable election results which point to grossly serious grievances of possible election fraud and rigging are addressed.
In lieu of parliament’s posture, we are compelled to express grave concerns about the Secretary of Parliament, but most crucially the Chief Justice for their premature statement or judgements regarding issues related to the matter at hand, knowing that the matter may end up in court.
It is our concern that these types of prejudicial statements and pronouncements could compromise the impartiality required when this matter ends up in court as it will.
Sadly, such conduct, which continues unabated, especially by the Chief Justice, further undermines public confidence in essential state institutions, including Parliament and the judiciary as a whole.
The MK Party and other political parties remain committed through peaceful and constitutional means to safeguard the political integrity and the will of the people by ensuring that every citizen’s vote is accounted for so that the outcome of the National Assembly representation is the will of the people in the true organic sense.
Hence it remains our strong resolve that allowing the National Assembly to sit amidst such significant doubts on the legal validity of the election process would be a betrayal of the electorate’s trust, who expect their votes to be honoured and reflected accurately in governmental proceedings.
MK Party and other concerned political parties, including their members, will continue to exercise their peaceful democratic right in seeking to ensure that the election results are free and fair.
We remain confident and resolute in ensuring that the re-run of elections will take place within 3 months as per section 49(3) of the constitution, once the sham of the election results have been set aside by the court.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Jacob Zuma's MK Party Wants To Stop Swearing-in Of Newly-elected MPs

Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party in South Africa has rejected ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa’s plan for a Government of National Unity (GNU), which would include all political parties with parliamentary seats.
A Coalition Government is formed when no single party secures an outright majority. It involves multiple parties coming together to govern, often based on shared policy goals.
In contrast, a GNU is also a coalition government, but it brings together diverse political perspectives. A GNU’s primary goal is to ensure stability, foster collaboration, and address critical national issues.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter) Malema said “We can’t share power with the enemy,” referring to the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s second-largest political party. In another tweet, Malema said:
<blockquote>
The arrogance continues even after the South African voters issued warning signs. You can’t dictate the way forward as if you have won elections. We are not desperate for anything, ours is a generational mission.
</blockquote>
Malema was responding to Ramaphosa’s announcement on Thursday night that they would form a GNU with all parties advancing South Africa.
The DA has said it will not go into coalition with the EFF and Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party led by former ANC president Jacob Zuma.
DA leader John Steenhuisen recently said the party should rescue South Africa from what he calls the “doomsday coalition” referring to an ANC-EFF-MKP coalition.
Speaking from the floor of the DA’s Federal Congress in April 2023, Steenhuisen “the forces of destruction” in the ANC and EFF and smaller parties such as the Patriotic Alliance, were converging towards forming a Doomsday Coalition after the 2024 general election. At the time, teenhuisen said the following:
<blockquote>
The day that an ANC-EFF government takes over, will be Doomsday for South Africa. EFF Doomsday will make the collapse of Zimbabwe look like a dress rehearsal and will leave all South Africans destitute – black, coloured, white and Indian.
That is why, during the remaining months before next year’s election, the DA will make it our number one priority – and do absolutely everything in our power – to prevent an ANC-EFF Doomsday Coalition from taking power.
The EFF Doomsday Coalition will expropriate property without compensation and abolish private property rights.
The EFF Doomsday Coalition will nationalise and destroy foreign investment, businesses, banks and mines.
The EFF Doomsday Coalition will plunge this country into ethnic and racial conflict the likes of which it has never witnessed before.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Malema Rejects GNU, Demands A Coalition Government

South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA) party has said it will only agree to be part of the African National Congress (ANC) proposed government of national unity (GNU) if the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and Patriotic Alliance (PA) are excluded, reported <a href="https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/no-mk-party-eff-pa-in-unity-govt-or-we-wont-join-da/">SABC News</a>.
On Thursday, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the party was seeking to form a government of national unity with a broad group of parties including EFF, IFP, DA, NFP and PA.
The ANC has laid down stringent conditions under which parties would be included in the pact. Said Ramaphosa:
<blockquote>
All parties must commit to shared values, nation building and social cohesion. These values include respect for the constitution of the Republic of SA and the rule of law, social justice and equity, human dignity, non-racialism and non-sexism. These values also include stability, accountability, transparency and good governance.
Agreements between parties who will be involved in this whole process should be in writing, they should be public and they should also be transparent and include measures to hold all participants accountable.
</blockquote>
The DA said it hopes to receive details on how the government of national unity will operate in its next meeting with the ANC. DA national spokesperson Werner Horn said:
<blockquote>
The President was not very specific in terms of the characteristics of such a government of national unity. We will hopefully get some more detail from them, and then the duty of that negotiating team will be to bring the specifics back to the federal executive.
And on Monday, the Federal Council will have to decide; but even the smallest inclusion of those three parties, well, in terms of the current resolution of the federal executive, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for us to be included.
</blockquote>
The ANC lost its Parliamentary majority for the first time in its 30 years of rule after the end of apartheid in 1994.
The ANC got 40.18% support, with the DA on 21.81% votes, the former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) got 14.58%, and EFF got 9.52% votes.
With South Africa’s proportional representation system, the ANC has to combine with one or more other parties to attain more than 50% of the vote to form a government.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

DA Sets Condition For Unity Government: No MK Party, EFF, Or PA

South Africa’s governing party, the African National Congress (ANC) says it will form a government of national unity (GNU) with all parties advancing South Africa, reported <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/anc-resorts-to-government-of-national-unity-for-stability-peace-and-progress-in-south-africa-says-ramaphosa-c83b42cb-69ae-4202-a6e6-87fbaefd34da">IOL</a>.
Addressing journalists following a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa said:
<blockquote>
We have agreed that we will invite political parties to form a government of national unity as the best option to move our country forward.
The modalities of the government of national unity will take into account the conditions prevailing at this moment in our country’s history.
The purpose of this government of national unity must be first and foremost to tackle the pressing issues that South Africans want to be addressed.
</blockquote>
According to Ramaphosa, the pressing issues included job creation and inclusive economic growth, the high cost of living, service delivery, crime and corruption.
He said the ANC has heard the concerns of the people of South Africa, adding that the party remained a pivotal partner in the country’s search for a way forward.
Ramaphosa said the ANC had already engaged Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the Democratic Alliance (DA), National Freedom Party (NFP), and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
He revealed that the NEC mandated its negotiating task team to proceed to engage parties on their proposal. He said:
<blockquote>
They will also reach out to a broader range of parties to enrich the process and promote inclusiveness.
We have agreed as this NEC that it is both necessary and strategic that we act in a manner that seeks to unite the broadest range of social forces and isolate those that seek to cause chaos, instability and division.
As the ANC, we will be reaching out to formations across society to build a shared programme for social and economic change.
</blockquote>
The ANC lost its Parliamentary majority for the first time in its 30 years of rule after the end of apartheid in 1994.
The ANC got 40.18% support, with the DA on 21.81% votes, the former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) got 14.58%, and EFF got 9.52% votes.
With South Africa’s proportional representation system, the ANC has to combine with one or more other parties to attain more than 50% of the vote to form a government.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ANC Plans A Government Of National Unity With IFP, EFF, DA, NFP And PA

Former South African President Jacob Zuma’s Umkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP) reportedly rejected the governing African National Congress (ANC)’s invitation to form a coalition government.
ANC has been holding talks with several parties after it failed to win an outright majority vote during the 29 May 2024 National and Provincial elections, the first time in 30 years.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said the party approached the MK Party as a matter of principle so that no one is excluded. She said:
<blockquote>
We are holding meetings with delegations from Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Democratic Alliance (DA), National Freedom Party (NFP) and the Patriotic Alliance (PA).
The ANC has also had engagements with the South African Communist Party, Congress of South African Trade Unions, and South African National Civics Organisation as part of the consultations.
The ANC has started engagement with political parties in the country who have been meeting with all parties that are keen to contribute ideas on how to collectively move our country forward to form a government that ensures national unity and stability and a country that continues a transformation of South Africa and safeguards our constitutional democracy…
The ANC has repeatedly reached out to the MK party for an engagement with no positive response. Our door remains open as we continue to reach out to every party that is keen to contribute positively to moving our country forward.
</blockquote>
The ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) is set to meet this Thursday to decide on forming a “Government of National Unity” (GNU), which will include the EFF, or a Minority Government, with the DA, the IFP and other smaller parties.
According to News24, the proposed alliance between the DA and ANC has received tentative approval, with financial markets also giving it the nod.
However, ANC structures and its alliance partners are opposed to the idea, arguing that the official opposition is the ANC’s historic enemy.
The ANC is part of the Tripartite Alliance, which includes the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zuma’s Umkhonto WeSizwe Party Rejects ANC’s Coalition Offer

Outspoken ANC heavyweight and National Executive Committee (NEC) member Lindiwe Sisulu has warned her comrades against forming a coalition government with the Democratic Alliance (DA).
For the first time since 1994, the ANC failed to win a majority in Parliament in the 29 May elections, resulting in the governing party seeking coalition partners.
Reports suggest that ANC President, Cyril Ramaphosa, was considering a “soft coalition” with the DA.
<a href="https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/da-anc-pact-spits-on-struggle-icons-graves-a83a88ab-f926-4e79-910c-391050a81eba">IOL</a> reported that the partnership would see the DA take up strategic positions in government and the legislatures.
The ANC scored 40.18% at the polls, the DA achieved 21.80%, while former president Jacob Zuma’s newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) scored 17.4%.
Since the ANC did not meet the 50% threshold required for an outright majority, it would need a coalition partner to govern.
However, speaking to Independent Media, on Monday, Sisulu said a coalition with the DA would be spitting on the graves of fallen freedom fighters. She said:
<blockquote>
Firstly this looming disaster, if the ANC would ever partner with the DA, could’ve been avoided had the IEC (Electoral Commission of SA) done its work properly.
I was instrumental in setting up the IEC because I was deputy minister of Home Affairs at the time when Buthelezi was minister of Home Affairs. I ended up signing a lot of the legislation which saw the IEC did its work properly.
I would think that after 30 years the commission would be able to run a fair and transparent election.
Since 26 parties complained about the counting and the results, the IEC for its own credibility should’ve issued a recount. That has brought us to this.
In all the time I spent in prison fighting apartheid, I did not do it for the DA. The DA is the epitome of what the previous government represents.
The idea that black parties cannot govern is very racist. It is an insult for people who oppressed us and who threw us in jail for fighting for justice to tell us that we can’t govern.
The president of the ANC cannot enter a coalition with any party without the NEC’s approval. He is president of the country because of the ANC voters. He will not throw those votes away.
I hear the discussions in the media and some quarters of society saying that it will be good for the country and good for capital if the ANC went into bed with the DA, well those are the talks of capital.
I know that the president has friends in capital, but capital doesn’t decide internal ANC matters. If it does then perhaps I’m in the wrong party.
</blockquote>
Asked if she supports an ANC-MK coalition, Sisulu said many of the soldiers that she trained with in the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) camp who later left the ANC were justified in walking that path. She said:
<blockquote>
I was trained in MK. When we were in the camps I used to imagine that one day we’d come home dressed in our uniform and land at the airport to the salute of our people.
But when we landed, the MK soldiers were starved. They were not taken care of, but other people, who came out of nowhere were the ones giving us orders.
Today those people are at the top seats in our movement. The MK soldiers and comrades are our comrades.
We must lead the ANC back to glory. I never thought I’d see the day when our very movement takes orders from Stellenbosch.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the MK Party is looking to derail the election of a new president by threatening not to send its 58 members to the first sitting of Parliament.
This over objections to the 29 May polls and a demand for a vote recount.
The MK believes that a National Assembly should comprise at least 350 members to constitute a quorum.
However, constitutional law academic, Pierre de Vos, told <a href="https://www.ewn.co.za/2024/06/04/mk-looks-to-scupper-election-of-new-president-with-threat-not-to-attend-first-parliament-sitting">EWN</a> that even if MK members were not present, the show would go on.
He also warned that if the elected MK members stayed away from Parliament for 15 consecutive sessions, they stood to lose their seats.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

DA-ANC Deal Would Be A Disaster, ANC Heavyweight, Lindiwe Sisulu, Warns Ramaphosa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday said that the final announcement of the 2024 National and Provincial election results represented “a victory for our democracy, for our constitutional order and for all the people of South Africa.”
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced the results on Sunday evening despite threats of violence made by former president Jacob Zuma on Saturday night.
Zuma, who now leads the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, on Saturday night threatened violence should the IEC “rush” to declare the results on Sunday amid 500 objections.
In his address at the IEC Results Operation Centre, at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, yesterday, Ramaphosa said political parties should respect the wishes of the people who participated in the election. 
Ramaphosa praised the IEC for conducting what he described as a successful election that has been free, fair and peaceful. He said:
<blockquote>
The Independent Electoral Commission has, despite many challenges, once more acquitted itself with excellence, professionalism and integrity.
Millions of South Africans have cast their votes in cities and towns, in villages and on farms, at voting stations at home and abroad…
South Africans have demonstrated that they want to be part of making this country a better place.
South Africans have shown how important their vote is and that they know that their vote counts.
By going to vote, the people of South Africa have taken responsibility not only for the future of themselves and their families, but for the future of their country.
Through their votes they have demonstrated, clearly and plainly, that our democracy is strong, it is robust and it endures.
They have given effect to the clarion call that has resonated across the generations, that the people shall govern…
As the leaders of political parties, as all those who occupy positions of responsibility in society, we have heard the voices of our people and we must respect their wishes.
</blockquote>
Ramaphosa added:
<blockquote>
And now, we are all called upon to recognise that the results of the election reflect the will of the people.
What this election has made plain is that the people of South Africa expect their leaders to work together to meet their needs.
They expect the parties for which they have voted to find common ground, to overcome their differences, to act and work together for the good of everyone.
Our people expect all parties to work together within the framework of our constitution and address whatever challenges we encounter peacefully and in accordance with the prescripts of our constitution and the rule of law.
</blockquote>
The governing ANC won considerably fewer than half the seats in South Africa’s National Assembly.
It won 159 of 400 seats, the country’s electoral commission said. In the previous parliament, it had 230 seats.
The DA increased from 84 to 87, while the newly-formed MK Party won 58 seats. Julius Malema’s EFF lost five seats, from 44 to 39.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ramaphosa Accepts Election Results, Says They Reflect The Will Of South Africans

South Africa’s governing party, the African National Congress (ANC) has won considerably fewer than half the seats in South Africa’s National Assembly. The party won 159 of 400 seats.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa’s chairperson Mosotho Moepya announced the results of the May 29 elections and declared the polls free and fair.
Moepya announced the results at the IEC national results operations centre in Midrand on Sunday evening.
On Sunday afternoon, security cluster ministers said the security forces were on standby to ensure the safety of citizens amid threats of violence made by former president Jacob Zuma on Saturday night.
Zuma, who now leads the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, threatened violence should the IEC declare the results amid 500 objections.
<a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/elections-declared-free-and-fair-this-is-who-is-going-to-parliament-bc68fdaf-ca35-45ca-8842-5b3a9cc7c13b">IOL</a> reported that the IEC said the irregularities were immaterial to the election results.
Moepya said the May 29 elections had tested the strength of South Africa’s institutions. He said:
<blockquote>
They have shown and demonstrated the resolve to embrace democracy at a time such as this. These elections are the most difficult and most contested.
There are many challenges we have negotiated and had to overcome.
Just as the 1994 elections laid the foundations for our democratic order, the IEC has never sought to waiver from its commitment to deliver elections that are free, fair and credible.
</blockquote>
President Cyril Ramaphosa said despite the many challenges, the elections were free, fair, credible and peaceful. He said:
<blockquote>
The IEC has despite many challenges, difficulties and mountains, you have acquitted yourself with excellence and integrity and we applaud you.
Millions of South Africans have cast their votes in villages, towns and farms. South Africans care very much about their country as exemplified in the manner they went to vote.
South Africans have shown how important their vote is and that they know their vote counts.
Our people have spoken, whether we like it or not. As the leaders of political parties, we have heard the voices of our people. We must respect their choices and their wishes.
</blockquote>
Ramaphosa’s ANC lost over 17% of their votes after it garnered 40% of the total vote as the party slumped below 50% for the first time since the advent of majority rule in 1994.
The DA was second with 21%, MK third with 14%, EFF 9% and the IFP, 3.85%.
The ANC is returning to Parliament with 159 seats, down from 230 it received in 2019. 
The EFF lost five seats, from 44 to 39. The DA’s have increased from 84 to 87. They gained three seats.
Zuma’s MK Party shocked the nation after performing well in the elections. It has obtained 58 seats.
The distribution of parliamentary seats was as follows:
<ul>
<li>ANC – 159</li>
<li>DA – 87</li>
<li>MK – 58</li>
<li>EFF – 39</li>
<li>IFP – 17</li>
<li>PA – 9</li>
<li>FF+ – 6</li>
<li>ActionSA – 6</li>
<li>ACDP – 3</li>
<li>UDM – 3</li>
<li>ATM – 2</li>
<li>AL-JAMA – 2</li>
<li>BOSA – 2</li>
<li>NCC – 2</li>
<li>RISE – 2</li>
<li>GOOD – 1</li>
<li>PAC – 1</li>
<li>UAT – 1</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ANC Wins 159 Of 400 Seats In South Africa's Parliament

African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has said his party is open to coalition talks, but discussions about removing President Cyril Ramaphosa are a “no-go area”, reported <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/politics/political-parties/ditching-ramaphosa-is-a-no-go-area-for-anc-in-coalition-talks-says-fikile-mbalula-20240602">News24.com</a>.
With 99.91 per cent of the votes from Wednesday’s election counted, Ramaphosa’s ANC had only 40.2 per cent, a catastrophic slump from the 57.5 per cent it won in 2019.
The party must negotiate a coalition government with one or several other parties or at least persuade others to back Ramaphosa’s re-election in parliament to allow him to form a minority administration.
Addressing the media at the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) national results operations centre on Sunday morning, Mbalula said the party is open to coalition talks.
He, however, warned that discussions about removing Ramaphosa are a “no-go area” and everything must be guided by respect for the Constitution and the rule of law.
Mbalula condemned the threats of violence made by former president Jacob Zuma on Saturday night and called on all South Africans to resist the efforts of “those forces” that want to undermine democracy.
Zuma, who now leads the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, threatened violence should the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) declare the election results on Sunday evening as they currently stand without a recount.
On Sunday Mbalula asked South Africans to stand together against those who threaten violence. He said:
<blockquote>
The ANC is committed to the formation of a government that reflects the will of the people, that is stable and that is able to govern effectively…
The ANC is open to talking with everyone, including the MK Party. That’s where we are; talks about talks are in full swing.
</blockquote>
Mbalula said the ANC’s national executive committee will have a meeting on Tuesday, and a way forward will be communicated thereafter.
He reiterated that any demands for Ramaphosa to step aside will not be entertained. Said Mbalula:
<blockquote>
Ramaphosa is the president of the ANC. If you come to us with a demand that Ramaphosa must stand down as president, that is not going to happen. That is a no-go area.
</blockquote>
He said the ANC would take up the opposition benches if needs be, adding: “We will not be bullied. “And you’ll see the biggest opposition benches ever.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ditching Ramaphosa A "No-go Area" For ANC In Coalition Talks - Mbalula

Former South African president Jacob Zuma has demanded that the official results of the 2024 general elections should not be declared on Sunday.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday night, Zuma warned that any declaration of the election outcome by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) would be tantamount to “provoking” his new uMkontho weSizwe Party.
The MK Party and at least 20 other opposition parties said they had lodged objections with the IEC over what they claim is vote rigging.
As reported by <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/crime-and-courts/dont-start-trouble-when-there-is-no-trouble-zuma-warns-against-declaring-election-results-20240601">News24.com</a>, the MK Party also called for a recount and a commission of inquiry into the elections and threatened to take legal action against the IEC.
During a late-night media briefing at the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Gallagher Estate, Midrand yesterday, Zuma said the complaints brought to the IEC were “very, very serious”. He said:
<blockquote>
There is a tendency in this country to ignore serious matters. Some people get arrested, even if they’ve done nothing, but some people commit serious crimes. Nothing happened to them.
</blockquote>
Zuma insisted that the problems should be addressed and that the results announcement should not be “rushed”. He said:
<blockquote>
We have a bigger right than anybody else to demand that, it is us who are citizens. Institutions can’t then say, ‘we can’t listen to you and let us rush rush’, because that is provoking people, in reality.
What do you think if the institution that was supposed to deal with everything deprives you of that possibility?
When people stand up and do something, somebody is going to say these people are wild; they must be shot and arrested.
I fully agree with my colleagues who say nobody must force us to say these are the results when the results are incorrect.
If they say so, I think the institution must satisfy us that they did look into the issues.
We are going to need the time. Nobody must declare tomorrow. If that happens, people will be provoked, we know what we are talking about.
I am hoping whoever is responsible is hearing us. Don’t start trouble when there is no trouble.
</blockquote>
Adriaan Basson, the News24 editor-in-chief, castigated Zuma for threatening the electoral commission of South Africa. He wrote:
<blockquote>
Zuma couldn’t capture the IEC during his nine years as president, but he is now trying to do so as leader of the MK Party.
His threats tonight against the IEC not to declare the election tomorrow before the election has been rerun is a blatant attempt at capturing and undermining and institution of democracy.
Zuma has no business threatening the IEC or threatening violence if the results are declared. Like any political party, he can lodge his complaints and they will be dealt with by the IEC.
By saying the MKP should have received 66% of the vote, Zuma is reminiscent of tinpot dictators who attempt to rig elections after they lose the popular vote.
The IEC should stand firm against Zuma’s populist attacks and proceed to declare the election results if they believe all material complaints have been dealt with.
</blockquote>
News24’s columnist and UJ’s Professor Mcebisi Ndletyana said Zuma should go to court if he is not satisfied instead of threatening the IEC. He said:
<blockquote>
The IEC is empowered to declare the election results if irregularities have no material impact on the results. Whoever disagrees with that announcement must then go to court.
What the MK is doing there is typical of parties around this time, during elections. They try to increase their numbers through intimidation.
In the last election, we had Mzwanele Manyi and the EFF making all manner of threats, but nothing came of them.
The IEC must go ahead and declare the elections if they’re satisfied that they’ve complied with their regulations.
Then, we’ll leave it to law enforcement to deal with the mob. This may well be the right time to affirm that we’re a democratic state based on the rule of law, not subjects in some fiefdom under a strong man.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zuma Warns There Will Be "Trouble" In South Africa If IEC Declares Election Results

South Africa’s governing party, the African National Congress (ANC), is on course to lose its majority in parliament for the first time since it came to power in 1994, according to partial results from Wednesday’s parliamentary election, reported the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjll8nr6962o">BBC</a>.
With results from 56% of voting districts released so far, the ANC is leading with 42%, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 24%.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) led by former President Jacob Zuma has received 11% of the vote and Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, nearly 10%.
Final results are expected over the weekend.
South Africa’s electoral commission’s (IEC) online system streaming the election results crashed on Friday morning, leaving poll screens showing zero results.
The IEC has apologised for the issue and later restored the service, saying the election results had not been compromised.
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the News24 website have projected that the ANC’s final vote will be around 42%, a big drop from the 57% it obtained in the 2019 election.
This will force it to go into a coalition with one or more of the other parties to form a majority in parliament.
The main opposition, the DA has liberal economic policies, while both the EFF and MK favour more state intervention and nationalisation.
The chairman of the non-profit Democracy Works Foundation, Prof William Gumede, told BBC that President Cyril Ramaphosa could come under pressure from the ANC to resign if the party gets less than 45% of the final vote. He said:
<blockquote>
The ANC could turn him into a scapegoat, and a faction within the party could push for him to be replaced by his deputy, Paul Mashatile.
The EFF and MK are also likely to demand his resignation before agreeing to any coalition with the ANC.
</blockquote>
South Africans do not directly vote for a president. Instead, they vote for members of parliament who will then go on to elect the president.
The initial results show that Zuma’s party, MK, has been leading in KwaZulu-Natal Province with 43% of the vote to the ANC’s 21%.
KwaZulu-Natal is the home region of Zuma and the province with the second-highest number of votes.
Although Zuma has been barred from running for parliament because of a conviction for contempt of court, his name still appeared on the ballot paper as MK leader.
According to Prof Gumede, if MK wins KwaZulu-Natal, it would be a “major upset” and herald the “potential decimation” of the ANC in the province.
The ANC also risks losing its majority in South Africa’s economic heartland, Gauteng Province, where the party currently has 36% to the DA’s 29%.
A record 70 parties and 11 independents participated in the election, with South Africans voting for a new parliament and nine provincial legislatures.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa Elections: ANC On Course To Lose Majority In Parliament

Thousands of voters in South Africa were still in queues after midnight on Thursday waiting to cast their votes after the May 29 elections were affected by technical glitches and delays.
Snaking queues were witnessed around the country, particularly in the metros of Durban, Joburg and Cape Town, according to <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/late-night-voting-chaos-as-thousands-vote-into-thursday-after-iec-voter-devices-glitch-d7684657-425e-47ea-b32e-abb0048c71c2">IOL</a>.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa, which is often referred to as the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), during a press conference on Wednesday night, insisted that all voting take place and conclude, saying having an extra day for voting will present logistical and security challenges for millions of ballots.
The delays were attributed to the voter management devices (VMDs) which persistently glitched at several municipalities around the country as voters queued to cast their vote.
Around 2 PM on Wednesday, the IEC sent a circular to presiding officers and area managers, instructing them to ditch the VMDs and to utilise the manual ballot roll if the devices were hindering the voting process.
IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said the devices were not a requirement in terms of the electoral act, but the manual system of the ballot roll was legislated.
IEC volunteers manning the elections said the VMDs – when they worked – were more efficient than the manual system.
Some voting stations were still packed with potential voters who braved the cold winter weather to cast their vote, well after 9 PM.
Meanwhile, early results from traditional ANC strongholds show Jacob Zuma’s MK party edging the ANC by more than five per cent with the IFP in third and the DA in fourth.
In the Western Cape, Gayton Mckenzie’s Patriotic Alliance was showing strong numbers and was eating into the DA’s support.
With 11.3% of the national vote having been counted so far, ANC has garnered 42.8% of the votes, DA has 25.6%, EFF has 8.3%, MK has 7.8, and PA has 4.9%. 
By law, South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has seven days in which to announce full results.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa's Elections Marred By Technical Glitches And Delays

Nearly 28 million South Africans are set to head to the polls on Wednesday, 29 May 2024 in what is set to be its most tightly-contested general election since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Opinion polls suggest the governing African National Congress (ANC) party could lose its majority for the first time in 30 years, reported <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/south-african-election-who-are-the-main-parties-when-is-it-taking-place-and-can-the-anc-hold-on-to-power-13141187">Sky News</a>.
The vote will mark South Africa’s seventh democratic general election – with the country having gone to the polls every five years since Nelson Mandela became president as the head of the ANC in 1994.
The elections take place amid high rates of unemployment and crime.
<h2>How does South Africa’s election work?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Voters will cast three votes on election day. One ballot paper asks electors to vote for a political party. These parties are then allocated a share of 200 seats in the National Assembly based on how many votes they get.</li>
<li>The second one is a “province-to-national” ballot, which will include parties and independent candidates seeking to represent each of South Africa’s nine provinces in the National Assembly. Politicians elected in this second ballot will take up the other 200 seats in the assembly, with each province allocated a number of seats based on the size of its population.</li>
<li>The third ballot will be to elect members of the provincial legislature.</li>
</ul>
In South Africa, voters do not directly elect the president. The 400 members of the National Assembly vote for a new head of state within 30 days of the general election.
<h2>Who is running in the election?</h2>
Seventy (70) political parties and 11 independent candidates will contest the national and provincial elections. The national ballot will have 52 parties listed.
<h2>What are the main opposition political parties?</h2>
South Africa’s main opposition is the centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA) led by John Steenhuisen. He has suggested he would be willing to form a coalition with the ANC if his party doesn’t secure a majority.
The DA claims South Africa is in a “crisis” under the current government and wants the nation to move towards more privatisation.
The third largest party in parliament is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – led by former ANC youth league leader Julius Malema.
The EFF wants to nationalise mines, banks and other key parts of the economy.
There is also the MK Party, led by former South African President Jacob Zuma – who was ousted in 2018 after facing corruption allegations.
Zuma remains the face of the MK Party’s campaign despite the fact he has been banned from running in the election because of his previous criminal conviction.
<h2>Who is expected to win the election?</h2>
Some polls have suggested the ANC is heading for less than 50% of the vote for the first time since 1994.
If that happens, the ANC may have to enter into a coalition, but South Africa’s constitution doesn’t lay out how a coalition would work.
<h2>Who is most likely to be South Africa’s next president?</h2>
The ANC is still expected to win the largest share of the vote, so its leader President Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to remain in office unless he faces an internal challenge.
<h2>When will we know the result?</h2>
By law, South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has seven days in which to announce full results.
However, the IEC normally starts releasing partial results within hours of the polling stations closing.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South African Set For Its Most Tightly-contested General Election Since 1994

South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said that Zimbabwe’s governing party, ZANU PF, has not been accredited to observe the 29 May national and provincial elections.
This comes after ZANU PF Secretary General Obert Mpofu last week revealed that South Africa’s ruling party, ANC, had invited them to help their elections campaign.
A few days later, ANC and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed they had invited ZANU PF to observe the elections.
This was criticised by several South African opposition parties including the African Transformation Movement (ATM).
ATM leader Vuyo Zungula then wrote to the IEC protesting the move, saying allowing ZANU PF to observe South Africa’s elections risks tarnishing the legitimacy and credibility of the country’s electoral processes.
In response to Zungula, the IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said they have not accredited ZANU PF or any other political party to observe the elections in South Africa. Said Moepya:
<blockquote>
I acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 10 May 2024 in which you expressed concerns regarding ZANU PF’s participation in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections as an observer.
The Commission would like to reassure you and the ATM community that it has not accredited ZANU PF or any other political party, to observe the elections in South Africa.
The Commission strongly believes in the integrity of the elections it manages and therefore safeguards against measures that would compromise its processes.
</blockquote>
South African citizens will head to the polls on May 29 2024 to cast their votes for both the national and provincial elections.
For the first time, individuals not associated with political parties can stand as independent candidates in both national and provincial elections.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

2024 South Africa Elections Latest News

Latest Jobs