Executive Summary
South Africa's 2024 elections marked a pivotal moment in the nation's political landscape, highlighting the ongoing struggle to address historical inequities and shape future leadership. Despite the end of Apartheid in 1994 and Nelson Mandela's election as the country’s first black president, social and economic disparities persist. With half of the population living in poverty, South Africa is among the most unequal countries on earth.
This year's elections have introduced new political dynamics, with the African National Congress (ANC) forming a coalition government with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Inkatha Freedom Party. This coalition marks a new era of political collaboration in a vibrant political landscape. The ANC, DA, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and the newly established Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) Party are all contributing to a dynamic and competitive environment.
Social media played a crucial role in this year's elections, facilitating public discourse and civic engagement while also contributing to the spread of disinformation that sought to undermine the election's integrity.
Efforts to combat this issue involved collaboration between social media platforms, civil society organizations, and government entities, highlighting the need for comprehensive data access for researchers and robust measures to safeguard future elections.
However, researchers in South Africa, like those in many Global South countries, still face challenges due to limited access to critical data, complicating the study of disinformation trends.
Despite these challenges, the 2024 elections exemplified the complex interplay of historical legacies, socio-economic challenges, and evolving political dynamics. This underscores the necessity for continued efforts to address inequalities, enhance governance, and foster inclusive development for a resilient and democratic South Africa.
