South Africa's New Coalition Government: Implications for Social, Economic and Foreign Policy

This research paper analyzes the formation and policy implications of South Africa's new coalition government, termed a 'government of national unity' (GNU), following the 2024 elections. It examines the ideological tensions between the African National Congress (ANC) and its partners, specifically the Democratic Alliance (DA), and how these frictions may impact domestic social and economic priorities as well as foreign policy regarding BRICS, Russia, and Israel.

• The 2024 elections resulted in the African National Congress (ANC) losing its majority, dropping from 57% in 2019 to 40.18%. This led to the formation of a 'government of national unity' (GNU) consisting of 10 parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and Patriotic Alliance (PA).
• The ANC has maintained control over critical ministerial portfolios, including the presidency, treasury, and foreign affairs, which the authors suggest it will use to continue its pro-BRICS agenda.
• The new cabinet reflects a multiparty reality with ten ministries allocated to non-ANC parties. The DA received the highest number, including portfolios for agriculture, basic education, home affairs, communication and digital technologies, environment, and public works and infrastructure.
• The GNU's 'basic minimum programme of priorities' focuses on economic growth, poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare. However, the government faces severe crises, including a 32% overall unemployment rate (60% among youth) and an energy crisis that caused 6,950 hours of blackouts in 2023.
• There is a significant ideological divide in foreign policy between the ANC and the DA. While the ANC maintains close ties to Russia and a pro-BRICS stance, the DA has expressed opposition to BRICS and showed solidarity with Ukraine.
• The appointment of Ronald Lamola as the new minister of international relations and cooperation is viewed as a signal of continuity in South Africa's current foreign policy, particularly regarding its legal actions against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

APA

Ndzendze, B., & Hlabisa, N. (2024). South Africa's New Coalition Government: Implications for Social, Economic and Foreign Policy. Africa Policy Research Institute. https://afripoli.org/south-africas-new-coalition-government-implications-for-social-economic-and-foreign-policy

Chicago

Ndzendze, Bhaso, and Nhlakanipho Hlabisa. South Africa's New Coalition Government: Implications for Social, Economic and Foreign Policy. Africa Policy Research Institute, 2024. https://afripoli.org/south-africas-new-coalition-government-implications-for-social-economic-and-foreign-policy.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Ndzendze |first1=Bhaso |last2=Hlabisa |first2=Nhlakanipho |title=South Africa's New Coalition Government: Implications for Social, Economic and Foreign Policy |publisher=Africa Policy Research Institute |date=16 July 2024 |url=https://afripoli.org/south-africas-new-coalition-government-implications-for-social-economic-and-foreign-policy |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{ndzendze2024south, author = {Ndzendze, Bhaso and Hlabisa, Nhlakanipho}, title = {{South Africa's New Coalition Government: Implications for Social, Economic and Foreign Policy}}, institution = {Africa Policy Research Institute}, year = {2024}, month = jul, url = {https://afripoli.org/south-africas-new-coalition-government-implications-for-social-economic-and-foreign-policy}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }