Coalition governments

Coalition governments are nothing new in South African politics. And as South Africans head to the polls on the 4th of November, the prospect of hung councils is once again under the spotlight. Coalition deals, not outright victories, could once again decide who governs many of South Africa's munic…

ANC nomination problems could trigger political fallout: Professor Dirk Kotz

Despite having some of its candidates not accepted due to what it calls IEC glitch, the ANC says almost 97 percent of its members are ready to contest elections. Currently councilor candidates from 45 political parties including the ANC were not loaded onto the IEC system on its 28 August deadline.…

More than 2,200 candidates miss IEC nomination deadline.

More than 2,200 candidates from 45 political parties missed the Electoral Commission's August 28 deadline to submit their details for the November 4 local government elections. The ANC is challenging the decision, arguing that some candidate information had been captured on the IEC's online system …

Afrika Mayibuye announces Themba "SkeemGP" Nzimande as its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate.

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement is facing fierce public backlash over its newly announced Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate, Themba "SkeemGP" Nzimande. The Katlehong businessman, a former cash-in-transit offender turned podcaster, was unveiled as part of the party's mayoral line-up for Gauteng. The announc…

Yongama Zigebe, has been announced as the UDM's mayoral candidate for Johannesbu

National Chairperson of the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and PR Councillor in the City of Johannesburg, Yongama Zigebe, has been announced as the party's mayoral candidate for Johannesburg in the November Local Government Elections. Zigebe previously served as the UDM's National Secretary-Gener…

Terry Tselane explains what happens when two candidates receive the same number of votes in a ward

Tselane says the counting process is not always straight-forward, as a deadlock can be reached in other cases. He says an unconventional method – the casting of lots - is then used to decide who the winner is.

Tselane on Elections: Role of International Observers

IEMSA executive chair, Terry Tselane talks about the role of International Observers in Local Government Elections.

Tselane on Elections: Can observers deem an election not free and fair

Terry Tselane says observers only serve on an advisory role and the Electoral Commission are not bound by report submissions from observers as they (IEC) are the only ones given the mandate by the constitution.

PODCAST: Zooming into Your Community Part 8: Kutlwanong, Free State

Kutlwanong is a township in Odendaalsrus, which falls under the Matjhabeng Municipality, in the Free State. It was established to house black people during the apartheid era. Kutlwanong is surrounded by two mines namely Phakisa and Tshepong which are managed by Harmony mine. According to a Ward 2…

PODCAST: Zooming into Your Community Part 7: Riverlea, Gauteng

Riverlea, situated in west of Johannesburg, is a low-cost housing development, constructed in the early 1960's with a population of approximately 24 000 people, according to the University of Johannesburg. This community is currently the closest residential area to Soccer City and there are two la…