Tensions rise between South African political parties
South Africa's third largest party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), used a large political rally to accuse its arch rival, the Democratic Alliance (DA), of inciting ethnic violence. Led by Julius Malema, the EFF stirred emotions by singing the controversial anti-apartheid song “Kill the Boer Peasants,” which targets South Africa's large Boer population, the descendants of Dutch settlers.
DA leader John Steenhausen called Malema a “bloodthirsty tyrant” determined to start a civil war, and the party announced plans to lodge a complaint against Malema with the UN Human Rights Council and consider further legal action.
The 2024 elections and the ANC's weakening grip
South Africa is preparing for a general election in 2024 with opinion polls suggesting the ruling African National Congress (ANC) could get less than 50% of the vote. The ANC faces discontent over corruption, power outages and persistent unemployment that have undermined its grip since the end of white rule in 1994.
Possibility of forming a coalition government and political conflict
In recent weeks, Malema has said the EFF would be willing to form a coalition government with the DA and its six smaller partner parties. But Steenhuisen has rejected the idea, saying the EFF did not align with the coalition's “values and principles”. With the DA labelling the EFF as its “number one political opponent”, any chance of reconciliation seems gone.
The extremist EFF, which is pushing reforms to give more land ownership to black South Africans, has support of about 13 percent, while the liberal DA, which has traditionally attracted mostly white voters, is expected to win about 16 percent of the vote.
EFF's 10th anniversary and Malema's popularity
At the EFF's 10th anniversary celebrations, Malema showed off his party's strength as 90,000 supporters dressed in the party's signature red gathered at a stadium in Johannesburg. The charismatic leader donned his traditional red beret and took to a high podium amid a flurry of red and gold confetti, reveling in the adoration of jubilant fans.
South African politics continues to evolve as the 2024 elections approach, with parties such as the EFF and DA vying for opportunities to challenge the long-standing dominance of the ANC. The country's future will ultimately be decided by voters who will set the country's direction in a post-apartheid, democratic South Africa.
