Unit-6 South Africa Notes | Comparative Political System DSC-17 | DU SEMESTER 6 NOTES

Introduction 

• Geographical Location: Located at the southern tip of Africa, surrounded by the Orange River (northwest) and the Limpopo River (east), South Africa holds a unique geographical position.

• Diversity: South Africa is known for its multiethnic society with 11 official languages and a population of over 49 million. The 2010 census breakdown is 79.4% black, 9.2% white, 8.8% coloured, and 2.6% Indian/Asian.

• Cultural Pluralism and Economy: As Africa’s largest economy and industrial hub, South Africa stands out not only for its cultural diversity but also as a major economic center on the continent.

Historical Background

1. The British colonial rule led to the unification of the region in 1910 but also entrenched racial divisions, especially by excluding blacks from political rights.

2. This laid the foundation for apartheid (1948-1994), a system of racial segregation and discrimination.

Post-Apartheid Era

1. In 1994, the apartheid regime came to an end, largely due to international pressure and internal resistance.

2. The country underwent a democratic transition, establishing a constitutional democracy under the leadership of Nelson Mandela.

3. This transition laid the foundation for equality, freedom, and human dignity for all South Africans.

Constitutional Development of South Africa 

Phases of South Africa's Constitutional Development

1. Early Constitutional Development (1909–1934):

• South Africa Act 1909: Established the Union of South Africa under British rule, uniting four colonies.

• Power remained in white hands; Black South Africans were excluded from political rights.

• The Statute of Westminster (1931) and Status of the Union Act (1934) gave greater autonomy, but political exclusion of Black citizens continued.

2. Apartheid Era (1961–1983)

• Republic formed in 1961: Severed ties with Britain; President became head of state.

• Political rights denied to Black citizens; Bantustans created under the Bantu Authorities Act (1951).

• 1983 Constitution: Created a tricameral parliament for whites, coloureds, and Asians—excluding Black majority, deepening racial divisions.

3. Democratic Transition (1990–1996)

• 1990–1993: President F.W. de Klerk initiated reforms; Nelson Mandela released; ANC unbanned.

• 1993 Interim Constitution: Laid groundwork for democracy.

• 1994 Elections: First multiracial elections; Mandela became President.

• 1996 Constitution: Officially ended apartheid and enshrined democratic governance.

Key Features of the 1996 Constitution

1. Supremacy of the Constitution: All laws and actions must conform to the Constitution.

2. Democratic Republic: Emphasizes pluralism, electoral democracy, and people’s participation.

3. Bill of Rights: Guarantees rights to life, dignity, equality, freedom, education, and health.

4. Equality & Anti-Discrimination: Explicitly outlaws discrimination based on race, gender, religion, etc.

5. Federal Structure: Three levels of government—national, provincial, and local—with defined powers.

6. Independent Judiciary: Constitutional Court as the highest authority; upholds rule of law and rights.

7. Cultural & Linguistic Rights: Recognizes 11 official languages and protects diverse cultural communities.

8. Social & Economic Rights: Guarantees access to housing, healthcare, food, water, and education.

Social Dimension of South African Politics 

South Africa’s society is racially and culturally diverse, shaped by centuries of colonialism, apartheid, and ongoing efforts toward democracy and inclusion. The population is broadly divided into:

• Black Africans (majority)

• Whites

• Coloureds (mixed race)

• Asians/Indians

This racial classification has historically influenced policy and access to resources.

Key Aspects of the Social Structure

1. Racial Inequality and Apartheid Legacy (1948–1994)

• Apartheid systematically excluded Black South Africans from access to basic rights like quality education, healthcare, and employment.

• Even after the end of apartheid in 1994 and the establishment of formal political equality, economic and social disparities persist, especially for Black communities.

2. Education and Social Mobility

• Education reflects ongoing inequality:

  • Urban whites and coloureds generally have access to better schools.

  • Rural Black communities often suffer from underfunded, low-quality education, limiting upward mobility.

• This disparity continues to perpetuate class divisions and hinder economic equality.

3. Social Integration and Identity

• While post-apartheid governments, particularly under the ANC, promote multiracial unity, achieving real social integration remains challenging.

• Ethnic and cultural groups often balance their individual cultural identities with a shared national South African identity.

• Racial tensions and economic inequality still influence social cohesion and political discourse.

Economic Dimension 

Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has made strides toward economic reform, but structural inequality, unemployment, and unequal access to resources continue to dominate its socio-political landscape.

Key Economic Issues

1. Economic Inequality and Poverty

• South Africa remains one of the most unequal countries in the world.

• Wealth is concentrated among urban white populations, while black-majority rural areas face poverty and unemployment.

2. Unemployment and Deindustrialisation

• Unemployment, especially among black youth, is a persistent problem.

• Apartheid-era economic policies limited Black South Africans to low-wage jobs in mining and agriculture.

• Efforts at industrialisation and liberalisation post-1994 have had limited impact on reducing joblessness.

3. Land Reform and Property Redistribution

• Land ownership is deeply imbalanced, still reflecting apartheid legacies.

• Land reform programs post-1994 have been slow and largely ineffective, failing to provide economic justice.

4. Black Economic Empowerment (BEE)

• BEE policies were introduced to uplift Black entrepreneurs and bridge racial economic gaps.

• While some success stories exist, many criticize BEE for mainly benefiting the politically connected elite, rather than the broader black population.

Persistent Challenges

• Inequality continues to fuel social unrest and threatens political stability.

• Education and skill development remain inadequate, limiting upward mobility.

• Corruption and inefficiency undermine public trust and economic progress.

• Fair land/resource distribution is still unresolved, hampering national reconciliation and justice.

Way Forward

South Africa must pursue inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance to tackle inequality, create jobs, and promote broad-based economic participation. Key areas include:

• Strengthening education and vocational training.

• Expanding land reform with fairness and efficiency.

• Fighting corruption and improving public service delivery.

• Ensuring economic empowerment reaches grassroots levels, not just elites.

Party System 

South Africa operates under a multi-party democratic system characterized by proportional representation and a high degree of political diversity. The party landscape reflects the country's ethnic, social, and economic plurality, though it has been dominated by the African National Congress (ANC) since the end of apartheid in 1994.

1. Historical Context

• Pre-1994: Politics was controlled by white-only parties, such as:

  • National Party (NP): Enforced apartheid from 1948.

  • United Party: Earlier dominant white party before NP's rise.

• Anti-apartheid Movements:

  • African National Congress (ANC) and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) led resistance.

• 1994 Elections: Marked the start of inclusive democracy and multiracial political participation.

2. Structure of the Current Party System

(i) African National Congress (ANC)

• Dominant since 1994.

• Founded in the anti-apartheid struggle.

• Ideology: Social democracy, racial reconciliation, economic empowerment.

• Challenges: Accusations of corruption, internal divisions, and governance issues.

(ii) Democratic Alliance (DA)

• Main opposition party.

• Support base: Urban middle class, white minority, and increasingly diverse groups.

• Promotes liberal democracy and economic reforms.

• Criticized for struggling with racial inclusivity.

(iii) Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)

• Founded in 2013 by Julius Malema.

• Far-left, revolutionary rhetoric.

• Advocates land expropriation without compensation, radical wealth redistribution.

• Strong support among youth and economically marginalized.

(iv) Other Parties

• Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP): Represents Zulu interests, especially in KwaZulu-Natal.

• United Democratic Movement (UDM): Minor presence.

• Freedom Front Plus (FF+): Defends Afrikaner minority rights.

Key Features of the Party System 

Features	Description
Multiparty System	Many parties exist, but ANC dominance persists.
Ethnic and Regional Lines	Parties often draw support from specific ethnic groups or regions.
Proportional Representation (PR)	Seats in parliament are allocated based on vote share, enabling smaller parties to gain representation.
Inclusivity	Growing focus on youth and women's participation, especially by the ANC and EFF.

South Africa’s party system reflects both the legacy of apartheid and the aspirations of its diverse population. While ANC dominance continues, opposition parties are gaining strength, and the PR system encourages pluralism. The future of the party system will likely depend on how parties respond to issues like corruption, economic inequality, and youth disillusionment.

South Africa’s Electoral System 

1. Foundation of the System: Inclusivity and Proportional Representation

2. South Africa’s electoral system was established after the end of apartheid in 1994, aiming to build a fair, inclusive democracy.

3. The system is proportional representation (PR)-based, designed to reflect the country's ethnic, cultural, and political diversity.

4. Every adult citizen (18 years and older) has the right to vote, regardless of race, gender, or background.

   
   

5. National Elections – Focus on Political Parties

   • The National Assembly (lower house of Parliament) has 400 seats, filled based on the proportion of votes each party receives.

   • Voters cast their ballots for a political party, not individual candidates.

   • Each party provides a ranked list of candidates before the election; elected members are chosen from the top of this list depending on how many seats the party wins.

   • This system benefits smaller parties, allowing for a wide range of political ideologies in Parliament.

     
     

6. Provincial Elections – Regional Representation

   • South Africa is divided into nine provinces, each with its own provincial legislature.

   • The same proportional representation system is used at the provincial level.

   • Voters simultaneously vote in national and provincial elections using two separate ballots.

   • Each provincial legislature selects a Premier, who functions as the head of government in that province.

     
     

7. Local Government Elections – Mixed Electoral System

   • Local elections use a dual system combining: a) Ward-based elections (first-past-the-post), where individuals are elected directly by voters. b) Proportional representation, where votes are cast for parties to ensure overall fairness.

   • This hybrid model allows for both individual accountability and party proportionality in local councils.

   • Local government elections address grassroots issues like housing, water, electricity, sanitation, and municipal infrastructure.

     
     

8. Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)

   • The IEC is a constitutionally established body tasked with managing and supervising elections.

   • Its key functions include:

     • Voter registration and public awareness campaigns.

     • Monitoring and auditing the election process to ensure it is free and fair.

     • Addressing and resolving election disputes and complaints.

   • Its independence has been crucial in maintaining public trust and democratic legitimacy.

     
     

9. Strengths and Benefits of the Electoral System

   • Inclusivity: The PR system gives all political voices — including minority and previously excluded groups — a chance to be heard.

   • Stability: By encouraging multi-party representation, it reduces the likelihood of one-party authoritarianism and supports coalition politics.

   • Peaceful Transition: The first multiracial elections in 1994 marked a peaceful shift from apartheid to democracy and became a symbol of reconciliation.

     
     

10. Challenges of the Electoral System

    • Weak Representative Link: Voters do not vote for individuals, so there is limited accountability between elected officials and specific communities.

    • Party Control: Party leaderships control the candidate lists, giving them significant influence over who gets elected.

    • Fragmentation and Gridlock: The inclusion of many small parties can lead to fragmented parliaments and unstable coalitions.

    • Local-Level Issues: Allegations of corruption, maladministration, and poor service delivery are more common in local elections.

      
      

11. Reform Proposals and Future Directions

    • Direct Elections: Introducing a constituency-based model to allow voters to choose individuals directly, especially at the national level.

    • Performance-Based Representation: Tying public officials’ tenure to their performance and public satisfaction.

    • Transparency in Funding and Lists: Reforms to make party funding and candidate nomination more open and accountable.

    • These reforms aim to enhance democratic accountability and ensure elected representatives remain connected to the people.

Federal System of Governance 

1. Establishment of the Federal System: South Africa adopted a democratic and inclusive federal system after the end of apartheid in 1994. The 1996 Constitution provides a framework for the division of powers between the central government and provincial governments.

2. Decentralized Unitary State: South Africa’s system is a decentralized unitary state with federal characteristics. This means that while there is a central government with significant power, the provinces also have a degree of autonomy, particularly in areas that impact local governance and regional issues.

3. Key Central Government Bodies:

   • President and Cabinet: The President, as the head of state, holds executive powers, and the Cabinet assists in decision-making.

   • National Parliament: Comprises the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). The NCOP represents provincial interests in central policymaking and ensures that provinces are involved in national decisions.

     
     

4. Provincial Government Powers: The nine provinces have significant power in areas such as:

   • Education

   • Healthcare

   • Transport

   • Local governance

   
   

5. Central Government Authority: The central government retains control over key areas including:

   • National security

   • Foreign affairs

   • Justice

6. Constitutional Court's Role: The Constitutional Court plays a crucial role in resolving disputes between the central government and provincial governments. It also ensures that no branch of government exceeds its constitutional powers, helping maintain a balance between different levels of government.

7. Financial Allocation and Disparities: Provinces receive funding from the central government, but disparities exist in resource allocation, with wealthier provinces having more resources than poorer ones. This has led to challenges in addressing regional inequalities.

8. The NCOP’s Role: The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) ensures that the interests of the provinces are represented at the national level. Members of the NCOP are elected from each province and bring provincial concerns to the central government, helping to maintain a federal balance.

9. Judicial Oversight: The independence of the judiciary is a vital aspect of South Africa’s federal system. Judicial review is possible, and the Constitutional Court ensures the protection of rights, prevents abuses of power, and resolves conflicts between central and provincial governments.

10. Challenges of the System:

    • Resource Inequality: Despite the federal system, there remains a significant inequality in the distribution of resources between provinces, which creates challenges in meeting the needs of the population in less prosperous regions.

    • Balancing Central Control with Provincial Autonomy: The balance between the power of the central government and the autonomy of the provinces is an ongoing challenge. There are tensions around the central government's control over national policy and provincial authority on regional matters.

    • Fiscal Disparities: Wealthier provinces tend to have more resources for infrastructure and services, while poorer provinces struggle with limited budgets. This creates regional inequalities and issues in providing services equitably.

11. Reforms and Adaptations: South Africa’s federal system continues to evolve to address these challenges, with ongoing discussions about reforms aimed at improving financial distribution, strengthening local governance, and promoting regional development.

12. Promoting Democracy and Stability: The federal system aims to create a balance between national unity and regional diversity, helping South Africa accommodate its ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity. It promotes inclusivity and political stability by ensuring that different communities and regions have a voice in governance.

13. Social Justice and Governance: The system seeks to enhance social justice by giving provincial governments the ability to address local issues while maintaining national cohesion. However, there is a continuous effort to ensure that the benefits of democracy and governance reach all citizens equally, addressing disparities between regions.

Conclusion

South Africa’s constitutional development is a significant historical journey shaped by the struggles of colonialism, apartheid, and the eventual transition to democracy. The end of apartheid in 1994, with Nelson Mandela’s leadership and the first democratic elections, resulted in the creation of a new constitution. This constitution is regarded as one of the most progressive in the world, emphasizing civil rights, freedom, equality, and social justice.

South Africa’s diverse nature, with its many ethnic, cultural, and linguistic communities, faces ongoing social and economic challenges. Despite progress in some areas, issues like poverty, unemployment, and inequality persist. The country’s electoral system, based on proportional representation, ensures that even smaller parties can be represented in parliament. The political landscape is largely dominated by the African National Congress (ANC), though opposition parties like the Democratic Alliance and Economic Freedom Fighters have made significant strides in recent years.

South Africa’s journey, grounded in constitutionalism, inclusiveness, and democratic values, is still in progress as the nation works to heal its historical wounds and address the socio-economic disparities that remain.