South Africa Marks One Year Since Forming Historic Unity Govt

One year has passed since the national and provincial elections, which produced no clear winner, with no single party securing an outright majority. The 2024 elections marked a significant turning point in South African politics, as the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the democratic transition in 1994. This outcome led to the creation of a coalition government involving ten other parties, collectively known as the Government of National Unity (GNU). Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, acknowledged that while the outcome initially brought uncertainty, the successful formation of the GNU within just 14 days was a major accomplishment. She noted that it reflected a “shared commitment to prioritizing the nation through dialogue and compromise.”