Is South Africa ready for coalition politics?

South Africa is on the brink of a major political shift as the possibility of coalition governance looms large on the horizon. With growing discontent over record unemployment, failing infrastructure, poor service delivery, and sluggish economic growth, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is at risk of losing its 50-plus majority in the 2024 polls. This potential change in the political landscape has sparked discussions and predictions about the future of South Africa's governance system. Former Premier of Gauteng and politician Mbazima Shilowo shared his insights on the current state of affairs in the country and the likelihood of coalition politics taking center stage. The conversation around coalition politics gained traction following comments made by South African comedian Trevor Noah about the performance of current President Cyril Ramaphosa. Noah labeled Ramaphosa as the 'most disappointing president' South Africa has seen, citing a decline in expectations since he took office in 2018. The sentiment was echoed by many in the audience and reflected a sense of disillusionment among the electorate. Shilowo acknowledged the disappointment felt by those who had hoped for a significant change under Ramaphosa's leadership but also noted that some voters may have had more realistic expectations. As the political landscape evolves, the possibility of coalition governance is becoming increasingly likely. Shilowo highlighted the importance of shared perspectives and objectives in making coalitions work effectively. While coalitions have been successful at the local government level, there are concerns about their feasibility at a national level. However, there is a growing willingness to explore this option and address the failures of past coalitions. The discussion also touched on the criteria for participation in coalitions and the role of the leading party in forming a government. Shilowo emphasized the need for a structured and transparent process to ensure the stability and effectiveness of coalition governments. Despite the speculation about the rise of coalition politics, the question remains whether the ANC will retain its majority hold in the upcoming elections. Shilowo refrained from making specific predictions but noted the challenges of voters' loyalty to their respective parties and the potential influence of funding in the electoral process. The conversation also delved into policy issues such as the basic income grant and the need for a balanced approach to resource allocation in key sectors like healthcare and education. Overall, the interview provided valuable insights into the evolving political landscape in South Africa and the prospects for coalition governance in the near future.