It’s a new dawn in South Africa, what does this mean for South Africans?

I think it’s safe to say that this is a new beginning for South Africans. After a very difficult time spent on thoroughly going through the manifestos and reflecting on South Africa’s development. My X required to be casted on the ballot papers on the 29th May 2024. Yes,  I casted my vote however, why does it feel like this is the beginning of a new era for South Africa?  Or is it just my anxiety getting the better of me?

The end of an era

I was just two years old when black South Africans voted for the first time in 1994. I was just a two year old girl when the once revered African National Congress movement won the majority votes. I was just two years old when governing under the apartheid policy came to an end.

Looking back where our parents come from and considering our young people we indeed have come a long way. The 2024 general election in South Africa  was like the 1994 election. This general election proved to be a pivotal moment in history. 

The motivation to cast ballots varies

This general election of 2024 illustrated why we need to improve voter education and be open to interrogating voter trends post-apartheid regime.

We need to comprehend that people vote for various reasons. Reasons such as wanting the legacy of colonialism and apartheid to be addressed. For many South Africans white-minoirity rule remains strong in their memories. Some citizens carry the wounds of their grandparents and others are roaming the streets with compromised identities. This is because under colonialism identities were tampered with by reason of acceptance. An acceptance that now questions a sense of belonging.

While others trace it back under the apartheid policy, some citizens are voting based on the changes that they have seen in their communities. It is as little as identifying facilities such as halls, parks and libraries that could not be accessed in previously designated areas. It is as small as the roads being constructed and visibility of infrastructure in the city centers.

Then there are also those who vote not only because of the visibility of the tangible infrastructure but how they can benefit from the market to leverage opportunities and to create more opportunities. These voters are aware that even when the government doesn’t give them opportunities directly. However, the government’s ability to create an atmosphere of inclusivity through economic growth so that they can create opportunities for themselves leveraging on entrepreneurship. 

While we have different voter mindsets and backgrounds we cannot isolate the impact of social media when voting. Social media will always be a world of its own. In pivotal moments of history it is not social media that marks the ballots. It is people behind profiles who think critically when offline about their desires for South Africa. It is the very people who have seen their lives or businesses impacted that head out to mark those ballot papers. This election should remain the greatest of all reminders that we learn to separate our lives from the lives of social media.

Political parties have different aspirations for South Africa 

With that said, the notion of electing political parties is not only associated with which political party’s vision best suits South Africa. However, it is the political parties ability to attend to the scale of social need in South Africa. If we take a look at EFF their primary focus is addressing inequalities and land distribution. 

One of the primary focuses of the DA is to end power cuts and violent crime. 

The ANC’s primary focus is creating millions of jobs, ending corruption and boasting  investment. 

MK, known as the political wild card, seeks to take the wrong economic turn by pursuing market-led policies and directing society to its core values.

If we critically engage with the mentioned political parties’ manifestos we identify where each vision is rooted and who it will benefit.

The MK for instance is a political wild card on a mission to oust President Cyril Ramaphosa and remove his corrupt administration according to the former President Jacob Zuma.

EFF is rooted in ending white-minority rule by addressing inequalities through land redistribution.  According to the  ‭(South African Government) ‘’ in 1913 the Natives Land Act saw thousands of black families forcibly removed from their land by the apartheid government’’. The EFF land redistribution is rooted in removal of black people off their land. 

The DA seeks to end power cuts and crime. 

On April 2023 President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Employment equity bill of 2020 ’’ which sets out targets to accelerate racial equity in the business sector’’ In addition, Mabasa (2023) in Aljazeera highlighted, that this act is meant to promote diversity and promote economic empowerment to the marginalised black South Africans who were systematically excluded by the apartheid policy. In April 2023 the DA took to the streets and criticised the law prescribing that ‘’race quotas could cause harm to the economy’’. 

In lame mans words the DA does not support Racial diversity 

ANC’s seeking to create millions of jobs, end corruption and boasting investment traces to the impact of the apartheid policy on black people. This is why the ANC is rooted in defending democracy and addressing past injustices. Their challenge as a political party is the lack of accountability and corruption. 

Therefore, what this illustrates about each political party is will the public in general benefit from their visions?

Now, since the ANC lost its outright majority what does this mean for coalitions?

Which coalition will be beneficial for the public in general

Coalition talks to take note of  

I believe based on my view of the manifestos, history and where we are as South Africa right now. I would like to point out just one factor to take into consideration if the ANC would be open to a coalition government with the DA. 

The DA opposes the ANC key priorities which is the black empowerment policies. These policies aim to give black people a stake in the economy following their marginalisation during the racist apartheid era. Again, the National Health Insurance Bill promises universal health for all. 

Take your time as a citizen and critically reflect on the opposition’s thoughts.

We need to hear from young people and share intergenerational knowledge

In hindsight of the overall general election outcome, let us applaud young people for coming out in numbers to vote. Again, let us applaud young people for using their social media platforms to educate the general public about voting and the importance of voting thereof. It was beautiful to watch young people participate in political affairs because of the general election. This indeed  was a moment that will remain in my heart. 

Again, let us use this opportunity to give young people their voices and improve their representation in political affairs. We have the ability to co-exist with the older generation because their wealth of knowledge is what shapes society. The young minds ignite innovation and together something great can emerge from this coexistence. Together the young and the old can be the change that we want to see in our beautiful country South Africa.

It all begins with us and being open to change. South Africa is our land. South Africa remains a beautiful country, flawed and rich with diversity. 

I am not affiliated to any political party. I am affiliated to the Africans. 

The views that  I share are mine and not affiliated to any employer. These views are not meant to bring harm.

Let’s talk about Africa. Which African country should I visit next? 

Read Africa. Write about Africa. Put Africa first!

The hashtag to follow is #africabelongstoUS , #amplifyingvoices, #authenticstories  

Note: Please click on our ads on our website.