The 2021 election will define for citizens important aspects of South Africa’s political future. What is the governing ANC’s future, and what was the impact of President Ramaphosa on this election?
The Democratic Alliance has been accused of inflaming racial tensions in Phoenix. Local residents belonging to a protection group stand watch in July 2021 at the height of the violence.
Photo by Marco Longari/AFP via Getty Images
The Democratic Alliance posters were not a bolt from the blue. They were consistent with messages the party’s current leadership has been sending out for some time.
The governing ANC is losing its political hegemony.
EFE-EPA/Yeshiel Panchia
The problem for the Democratic Alliance is not one of policy. There is real substance in its commitment to substituting racial criteria for overcoming historical disadvantage.
ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule in court in Bloemfontein, on corruption charges.
EFE-EPA/Conrad Bornman
Local government elections in South Africa have traditionally been characterised by low voter turnout.
African National Congress treasurer Paul Mashatile wants more money for political parties from the government.
Antonio Muchave/Sowetan/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
Since parties always need money, forcing them to depend on private funders means throwing them into the hands of donors who will demand favours for their cash.
Political killings in the country are linked to the fierce competition for control of state resources within the governing ANC.
EPA-EFE/Jon Hrusha
Author shows how politicians intent on settling problems by physically eliminating opponents tap into a ready source of assassins from within the taxi industry.
Chief Research Specialist in Democracy and Citizenship at the Human Science Research Council and a Research Fellow Centre for African Studies, University of the Free State