Predictions on the post-election landscape

The average man on the street has lost interest it seems, and just takes things in their stride. What are the major changes that can be expected, and how will this impact us locally?

Every analyst agrees that the ANC has lost a major portion of its support. While we still await the final results, it is unlikely to expect that there will be a change of government on a national level. On local levels, we might see a whole different picture, where it is expected that many areas might see coalition-run municipalities.

The problem with a coalition government is that both (or multiple parties) have to agree on major points to make this system work. The experience in South Africa however points in a different direction, and very few political parties seem to be able to reconcile their differences and rule effectively as a unit. In an ideal situation, a coalition government can stabilize our teetering economy as one side will force the other to stay in line, but as independent political analyst, JP Landman told BusinessTech: “I am unsure if our politicians have reached that degree of maturity.”

It will indeed take great effort, and consensus from political parties to effectively make governance work. Many agendas will also need to be placed on the back burner. Locally some of our contesting politicians had this to say:

JeeDee Cloete from the freedom Front Plus (FF Plus):

“Bela-Bela can be a great example of giving the little guy (party) a chance! Nobody in this town can claim that the FF Plus doesn’t aim to make a difference. Our track record speaks of success. Just imagine if everyone in this town voted like Ward 1 did… I get goosebumps when I think what we can accomplish together in our beautiful town.”

Andries van der Heyde from the Democratic Alliance (DA):

“The DA is the second largest party in the country and it should be a logical choice for voters. The DA has a good reputation for success, and if the DA works in the Western Cape, there is no reason why they cannot work in any other part of the country.”

Abram Mohlake from the African National Congress (ANC):

“Voters must continue to vote for the ANC, for it to continue to transform the livelihood of people and give the less fortunate a better life, it is only the ANC that has the ability and tools to make a formidable change. Coalition governments are not good for any level of government, be it Local, Provincial or National Government, there’s no order, stability or proper service delivery.”

The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) stated that they will only announce the results for the 2024 elections once they are 100% confident of the integrity and legitimacy of the results. By law, they have seven days to announce the results, and they are confident that this will be the case.

The final results should thus be expected to be announced on or before Wednesday, 5 June.