As early voting in 2024 South Africa election begins with those who received special permission to vote early casting their ballots ahead of the main elections today, May 29, let’s take a look at the highlights of the election which marks a significant moment in the country’s multi-racial democracy, with several parties vying for power.

The Contestants in the 2024 South African election include:

1. Cyril Ramaphosa (ANC): As the incumbent president, Cyril Ramaphosa led the African National Congress (ANC) campaign. Despite the ANC’s decline in popularity, Ramaphosa remained a prominent figure.
2. John Steenhuisen (DA): John Steenhuisen, the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), aimed to secure a significant portion of the vote. However, the DA struggled to win over the predominantly black population.
3. Julius Malema (EFF): Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), presented an alternative vision with anti-white populism. The EFF’s radical stance appealed to some but put off many South Africans.
4. Mmusi Maimane (Build One South Africa): Former DA leader Mmusi Maimane fronted the Build One South Africa party, offering a liberal alternative.
5. Herman Mashaba (ActionSA): The former Johannesburg Mayor, Herman Mashaba, led ActionSA, which formed a coalition with the DA.

These candidates represented diverse ideologies and visions for South Africa’s future. The ongoing election is being closely watched, as the country yearned for fresh ideas and effective governance to address pressing issues and restore public trust.

Here’s an overview of the key points in the polls:

1. Background and Context:

South Africa’s political landscape has evolved significantly since the end of apartheid. The African National Congress (ANC), once led by Nelson Mandela, dominated elections in the past but has faced challenges in recent years.

The ANC’s popularity declined due to mounting failures in office, including rising unemployment, corruption, and deteriorating public infrastructure. As a result, this election was closely contested.

2. Voting Intention and Challenges:

Despite having 70 parties competing for seats in the National Assembly, voter turnout remained low. Many eligible South Africans felt there were limited genuine alternatives.

The ANC, though weakened, still held sway due to the sentiment of “better the devil you know.” South Africa needed more visionary leaders, but the lack of compelling options hindered change¹.

3. Issues at Stake:

Unemployment, high crime rates, and power supply challenges were critical issues facing the country.

South Africans expressed despondency with democracy and mistrust toward leaders and each other.

Finally, the ongoing 2024 South African election is a pivotal moment. While Cyril Ramaphosa is likely to remain president, the challenges ahead demanded leadership that could address pressing issues and restore public trust in the country.

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