The 2024 general elections have undoubtedly brought about a historic shift in our country’s political sphere, with the ANC losing its 30-year-long outright majority and the notorious (re-)rise of Jacob Zuma sparking debate both nationally and internationally.
However, for those with little to no knowledge of politics, a flurry of unfamiliar political jargon was suddenly being blasted from all directions, including the now widely used term ‘coalition’.
Also read: Analysts say markets will ‘respond positively’ to ANC-DA coalition
Thanks to political commentators and, of course, the internet, keeping up to date with the dialogue becomes somewhat accessible.
According to the South African government:
A coalition government exists when two or more political parties (or independent representatives) combine their votes in a legislature or a council, to elect a government, and to support the decisions it takes. This becomes necessary when no single party has a majority of the seats in the legislature or council.
But for some us who prefer visual representations (served with a side of South African-style humour), X user Mike Sharman offers a guide to coalition politics, featuring the country’s much-loved Springboks, and even includes nuances of the ANC and DA’s contested relationship.
Take a look:
South Africa is unmatched
Coalitions are tricky 😅 pic.twitter.com/DXeFWmyodx
— Mike Sharman (@mikesharman) June 5, 2024
In response to the video, X user Lwanda Mfenqe said: ‘We might not have everything and fight among each other as a country, but humour is in abundance’, while Maximus Decimus Meridius and Patricia Lodder both suggested that perhaps Rassie should dip his toes in the realm of politics.
As the Springboks say, we’re #StrongerTogether. Let’s hope the same applies to our future coalition government.
Also read:
Election 2024: The people of SA have given us the greatest gift at the polls
Picture: screenshot from video