Author: Adriaan Basson

BUILDING THE CENTRE | The author argues that a GNU with the ANC and DA as main members could strengthen the centre of South African politics. Alaister Russell/Gallo Images, Sowetan With global politics moving to the right, the ANC and the DA could do South Africa a historic favour by strengthening the centre around our Constitution and its values, writes Adriaan Basson. “Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; South Africans need to be in the know if we want to create a prosperous future. News24 has kept the country informed for 25 years,…

KING OR KINGMAKER? ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa will have to take a position on coalitions on Thursday. Gallo Images/Alet Pretorius A week after the elections, it is not clear if South Africa will have a government of national unity or a minority government, and who will be part of it, writes Adriaan Basson. Watching five-day test cricket prepared me well for coalition negotiations. It is a slow, long, frustrating process with twists and turns, where strategists attempt to outwit each other with yorkers and googlies over a few days. It is also exhilarating. If you have ever watched the final session…

An “all-in” ANC-DA-IFP coalition government, representing 65% of the electorate, could change South Africa’s fortunes for the good, writes Adriaan Basson. History is made in moments like this. South Africa stands on the brink of a new era that could set us on a trajectory of growth and job creation or lead us further down a spiral. Moments like this don’t occur frequently. Maybe once in a lifetime. South Africans need to be in the know if we want to create a prosperous future. News24 has kept the country informed for 25 years, and we’re about to enter a new chapter…

President Cyril Ramaphosa is calling for unity as parties work to form a coalition government following the 2024 election results. In a departure from the previous administration’s approach, Ramaphosa’s conciliatory tone sets the stage for a new era of cooperation. The IEC has confirmed the election’s legitimacy and announced the ANC’s drop below 50%, marking a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape. This momentous occasion challenges the long-standing dominance of the liberation movement. Stay informed about the developments shaping the country’s future by joining News24’s free subscription trial. With 25 years of commitment to fearless journalism, we aim to…

The National Freedom Party’s single seat could play a crucial role in shaping KwaZulu-Natal’s political landscape. With a close election outcome, the party’s leader, Ivan Barnes, holds the key to potential alliances and decisions. Could a coin flip decide the next premier of KwaZulu-Natal? The balance of power lies in the hands of 80 new legislature members who must navigate forming a government that satisfies all represented parties. With 99.6% of votes counted, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) leads with 46%, followed by the IFP at 18%, the ANC at 17%, the DA at 13%, the EFF at 2%, and…

A historic shift is looming in Gauteng as the ANC faces losing its majority for the first time since 1994. With the latest election projections showing the ANC leading with 32.8% followed closely by the DA at 30.8%, the province is on the brink of a new political landscape. Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s government initiatives failed to sway voters, leading to a possible coalition government in Gauteng. Notably, key areas like Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni are already under coalition rule, signaling a shift in power dynamics. News24’s analysis of polling station results suggests a significant swing away from the ANC in key…

Democracy on the ballot | The author argues the 2024 election is also about defending democracy. (iStock) Several parties on Wednesday’s ballot want to abolish the Constitution. Your vote could be the difference between a future of democracy or anarchy, writes Adriaan Basson. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party of former president Jacob Zuma wants to abolish private property rights and replace the Constitutional Court with a parliamentary system that existed under apartheid. The Patriotic Alliance of Gayton McKenzie – himself a former convict – wants to bring back the death penalty despite evidence showing it doesn’t reduce crime rates. South Africans…

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa recently campaigned in the iNkosi Bambatha region in KwaZulu-Natal, a province that could play a crucial role in determining the composition of the national government. With 5.7 million registered voters, including 3.6 million who voted in the 2019 elections, KwaZulu-Natal holds significant weight in influencing the election outcome. As the election date of Wednesday, 29 May approaches, the focus on KwaZulu-Natal intensifies, highlighting its potential impact on shaping the country’s future leadership. Stay informed on the latest developments by joining News24’s free subscription trial for access to a wealth of news and insights aimed at informing,…

Over 10,000 individuals gathered at the DA’s Rescue South Africa rally in Durban, showcasing a strong display of support. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation and engagement from the attendees, emphasizing the significance of unity and solidarity in driving positive change. President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticized a DA advertisement as ‘treasonous’, however, fails to acknowledge the profound impact of the ANC government’s actions in South Africa over the past three decades,writesAdriaan Basson. I have a deep reverence for our national flag, finding immense pride in displaying it during pivotal moments such as national sporting events. Despite my unwavering respect for the…