South Africa’s 2024 elections, which saw the ruling African National Congress (ANC) lose its governing majority for the first time since independence 30 years ago, represents a milestone in the long trajectory of South Africa’s post-apartheid democratic transition. Yet its implications for popular participation and new paths forward remain contradictory and uncertain.

Dale McKinley assesses the ANC’s political-ideological and electoral journey since 1994, and explores what the results of the 2024 elections and subsequent formation of a ‘Government of National Unity’ tell us about both South Africa and the ANC. Is South Africa at a new point of transition – or are we likely to see more of the same uneven and disappointing liberation movement leadership? McKinley reflects on the new Government of National Unity and identifies emerging challenges for South Africa’s popular sector.

Dale McKinley holds a PhD in International Political Economy/African Studies from UNC Chapel Hill, and is a long-time political activist who has been involved in social movement, community and liberation organisations and struggles in Southern Africa for four decades.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024, 2:30 PM EST
VERNEY ROOM, SOUTH ROSS 638 – DEPARTMENT OF POLITICS, York University