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Featured Creator

Scott Peter Smith

Scott Peter Smith is a co-founder of The Angle and founder of Submedia+, a cross-platform publisher in non-fiction storytelling. He is the former chief digital officer of the Mail & Guardian, where he led the publication’s digital strategy and product development.

200 Young South Africans lit signage at The Forum on the gala evening 27 June 2024. Pic by Delwyn Verasamy
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Winners | 200 Young South Africans 2024

WATCH: The Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans event continues to shine a spotlight on those shaping the future of the country

Free to share: Post-election special edition

Dive into our exclusive special edition publication following the voting week and results

Diverse voters participating in the 2024 national elections captured in and around Johannesburg in the most hotly contested, with many surprises, elections in South Africa’s 30 year democracy.
Delwyn Verasamy, Mail & Guardian, 29 May 2024

LIVE | IEC election results

Real-time updates from the dashboard of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa

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Full coverage | South Africa elections 2024

Real-time updates, breaking news, and in-depth analysis

Diverse voters participating in the 2024 national elections captured in and around Johannesburg in the most hotly contested, with many surprises, elections in South Africa’s 30 year democracy. Delwyn Verasamy, Mail & Guardian, 29 May 2024

Gallery | South Africa votes 2024

Experience the vibrant spirit of democracy in action with our series of images capturing voters in Johannesburg during the 2024 elections.

Barrier to entry: The IEC and constitutional court remain firm in their decision about proof of support and deposits required for small parties to be able to contest the elections. Photo: Darren Stewart/Getty Images

Vote 2024 | One week to go…

Explore the state of South African democracy 30 years post-apartheid. Discover the alarming rise in political assassinations and voter apathy leading up to the 2024 elections.

The landscape of technology-driven elections is fast mutating. With the current deficits, there is a need for adequate digital skills if Africa is to be recognised for effective handling of elections.

Do politicians deliberately sabotage ICT adoption in African elections?

In order to effectively tackle the issues of ICT proficiency and election oversight in Africa, it is critical to concentrate on confronting the obstacles to implementation, closing the digital gap and strengthening cybersecurity protocols.

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at  the African National Congress party manifesto launch in Durban, South Africa, on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024. Photo: Leon Sadiki/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Vote 2024 | The ANC campaign trail

We delve into the ANC’s campaign trail as we approach the 2024 elections, marking a critical juncture 30 years into South Africa’s democracy. We uncover the enduring patterns and shifts within the ANC and its opposition, providing a deeper insight into the ANC’s efforts to retain its dominance amidst evolving political climates.

Former president Thabo Mbeki has laid the blame for South Africa’s energy crisis at the feet of his successor Jacob Zuma (Photo by Kyodo News Stills via Getty Images)

Vote 2024 | Mbeki, Zuma and Eskom

Mbeki said it would be dishonest not to mention that some of the negative developments in the country’s governance over the 30 years of democracy were a result of negative actions by members of the ruling ANC.

Follow the M&G Whatsapp channel for everything you love about the M&G

Follow the M&G WhatsApp channel

Stay connected with the Mail & Guardian through our WhatsApp channel for direct access to essential news, video, audio, in-depth analyses, compelling graphics, exclusive event coverage and engage in polls —everything you value about the M&G. By following, you’ll receive updates that matter most, delivered straight to your mobile device. This service extends our commitment […]

Knife edge: Voters sing while they wait to make their crosses at a voting station on 27 April 1994 in Lindelani, in what was then Natal. (Per-Anders Pettersson/Getty Image)

Vote 2024 | 30 years of democracy

The first democratic elections in 1994 were a major logistical and political feat, with nearly 20 million citizens casting their votes together for the first time over three days, beginning on 27 April.

How does a continent that has suffered decades of state capture and democratic decline ensure free, fair and participatory electoral processes for effective democratic governance? Technology may be the answer. (Delwyn Verasamy, M&G)

E-voting versus paper ballots

Allowing independent candidates to contest the next general election in South Africa is a boon for democracy. Prof. Colin Thakur asks if it is time to move to an electronic voting system?

(Photo by Atilgan Ozdil/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Are African elections manipulated by foreign disinformation campaigns?

Elections are being held in 19 countries across the African continent in 2024. Tom Mboya considers the rise in foreign disinformation campaigns.

Integrating social media into CBM frameworks offers a promising solution for addressing the limitations of traditional CBM tools and mitigating the rising public discontent. (Fabian Sommer/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Is social media weakening Africa’s democracy?

Social media has changed the status quo in politics. In an election cycle, interaction between politicians and the electorate has evolved to near-real-time communication.

The minister said detractors have celebrated the reputational damage to the student funding scheme, his department and the government

‘I will not resign,’ says Nzimande on NSFAS board dissolution

The minister said detractors have celebrated the reputational damage to the student funding scheme, his department and the government.

Vote 2024 | National election debate at Fort Hare

As South Africa marks 30 years of democracy, this election debate at Fort Hare is more than just a discussion; it’s a pivotal moment for reflection, decision-making, and shaping the future of the nation.

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WATCH | National election debate at Fort Hare – Navigating South Africa’s political crossroads

Join Mail & Guardian and the University of Fort Hare on 17 April 2024 for a pivotal election debate. Engage with top leaders as South Africa approaches a historic election, marking 30 years of democracy amidst challenges and new political dynamics.

How does a continent that has suffered decades of state capture and democratic decline ensure free, fair and participatory electoral processes for effective democratic governance? Technology may be the answer. (Delwyn Verasamy, M&G)

Is South Africa ready for electronic voting?

With the rise of social media platforms and the proliferation of mobile devices, citizens and leaders have a whole new electoral interface

As over 17 African countries gear up for elections in 2024 are launching a continental series of op-eds and podcasts on whether digitalisation will benefit democracy in Africa.(Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Elections in a Digital Africa – 2024

This is part of a continental series of op-eds and podcasts on whether digitalisation will benefit democracy in Africa

Katse Dam

Vote 2024 | If you thought load-shedding sucked…

As South Africa approaches the 29 May national and provincial elections, the narrative has shifted from load-shedding to a crisis that hits even closer to home: water. Plus, Mapisa-Nqakula in the dock.