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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy/M&G

Vote 2024 | A DA-ANC coalition not off the table

This week we sat down with Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen. We focus on that party, where they are at, what they want and a dash of where they have come from.

Jacob Zuma addresses members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party outside the high court in Johannesburg on April 11, 2024. (Photo by EMMANUEL CROSET / AFP)

Vote 2024 | Will uMkhonto weSizwe contest on 29 May?

The battle between uMkhonto weSizwe party and the ANC will be a fascinating one, whatever the outcome of the current skirmish in the court, with Zuma continuing to haunt the party he once led in the courts, in the streets and at the polls.

The empty Onkgopotse Tiro Hall at the University of Limpopo. Taken 11 March 2024 before the M&G Election Town Hall.
Pic by Scott Peter Smith

Vote 2024 | Town hall debate at University of Limpopo

The Mail & Guardian, in partnership with the University of Limpopo, hosted an election town hall meeting on 12 March 2024. It’s the first of what we hope will be many upcoming town hall meetings for these elections and more in the future.