proportional representationlatest news & developments
Party control over MPs violates the separation of powers between the executive and the legislature, which came to light during Jacob Zuma’s presidency. Photo: File

Democracy at a crossroads in South Africa – and the US

Democracy – government of the people, by the people, for the people – cannot prevail while wealth is concentrated in the hands of the few

5 min read
An ANC volunteer carries a poster of Cyril Ramaphosa as she prepares to erect a party station at the Msholozi Informal Settlement near Brakpan, Johannesburg. (File photo by Delwyn Verasamy/MG)

Why South Africa needs electoral reform: A look at mixed-member proportional systems

The country desperately needs a system that makes politicians accountable to voters, not their political parties

  • Des Erasmus
4 min read
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

GNU talks down to the wire as parties deadlock on key portfolio

Negotiations have involved who will get what, and how many portfolios, in the new cabinet

  • Des Erasmus
8 min read