Understanding the evolving political landscape in South Africa can help you grasp how long-standing movements adjust in an increasingly complex environment. Today you will learn about the key political parties in South Africa, their recent performance, ideological leanings and how they impact governance in this dynamic nation.
In this article, you will learn which parties matter, what they believe, how they performed in recent elections and what that means for the future of South African politics.
The Post-Apartheid Political Context
Since the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has pursued democratic governance and a multiparty system. The former liberation movement became the dominant political force, but in recent years that dominance has weakened. You should note that in the national election of 2024, the governing party lost its outright majority for the first time in the country’s democratic era.
This shift means that you must now watch how coalitions form, how smaller parties grow and how voters respond to economic and social challenges such as unemployment, service delivery and inequality. The broader consequence for you is that South Africa’s politics are less predictable and more fluid than before.
Major Political Parties You Should Know
African National Congress (ANC)
The ANC held power continuously from the dawn of democracy until 2024. Its roots lie in the anti-apartheid struggle and its platform emphasizes social transformation, economic inclusion and national identity. In the 2024 election it secured just over 40 percent of the vote, losing its long-held absolute majority.
You should note that the ANC remains the largest party but now depends on coalition partners. Its challenges include internal divisions, a reputation for corruption and service-delivery failures. Yet, it still enjoys a relatively high favourability rating, with approximately 63 percent of adults expressing positive views in early 2025.
Democratic Alliance (DA)
The DA emerged from liberal, anti-apartheid opposition and gradually became the official opposition party. Its base often includes middle-class and urban voters, and it emphasises market-friendly policies, anti-corruption measures and clean governance.
In the 2024 election the DA came second in vote share and entered a governing coalition with the ANC. Despite that, its leader’s public favourability was lower (around 41 percent) than that of the ANC’s leader in early 2025. The DA’s role represents a moderating counter-force within the coalition era.
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
Founded in 2013, the EFF pushes a radical left-wing agenda that includes nationalisation of mines, land expropriation without compensation and strong rhetoric on economic justice. Its leader is Julius Malema.
In recent years the EFF has grown in support, though it stopped short of leading. In 2024 it gained a significant number of seats and continues to influence the debate especially among younger voters and poorer communities. Its presence means you must watch not only centrist parties but also how radical change voices impact policy.
uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MK Party)
The MK Party, led by Jacob Zuma, is a newer and contested force in South African politics. Its appeal is strongest in KwaZulu-Natal and among Zulu-nationalist and populist voters. In 2024 it jumped into prominence capturing more than 14 percent of the national vote and becoming the official opposition in Parliament.
For you as a U.S. reader, this signals that South Africa’s political spectrum is widening. The MK Party’s mix of socialist, ethnic and populist elements marks a departure from conventional party models and adds complexity to the national scene.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) & Rise Mzansi (RISE)
These are smaller but noteworthy parties. BOSA was founded in 2022 under former DA leader Mmusi Maimane and positions itself centre-liberal. RISE was founded in 2023 under Songezo Zibi and promotes social-democratic values.
Together, they reflect voter frustration with the big parties and desire for fresh alternatives. Both moved into new configurations by late 2025, including talks of merger into a new party called “Unite for Change,” highlighting the fluid nature of the party system.
Recent Election Results and Implications
In the 2024 general election, about 28 million South Africans were registered to vote. The ANC’s vote share dropped significantly from previous elections, reflecting voter dissatisfaction with economic stagnation, unemployment (above 32 percent) and public-service issues.
The result: the ANC fell below the 50 percent mark for the first time, forcing coalition politics. Meanwhile the DA, EFF and MK made gains. One survey in early 2025 found that 63 percent of adults viewed the ANC favourably, despite its weaker performance. The DA held 48 percent favourability, while the EFF and other parties remained lower.
The shift to coalition governance means you must pay attention to power-sharing, compromises and policy drift. The new “Government of National Unity” includes multiple parties across ideological lines. This next phase will test the durability of alliances and the ability to deliver on pressing economic issues.
Coalitions and Governance Challenges
With no single party able to command a majority, coalition deals became crucial. The ANC partnered with the DA, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and other smaller parties. This breadth of partnerships signals a more inclusive but unstable governance arrangement.
You must consider that coalitions bring together very different ideologies: market liberals, social democrats, ethnic nationalists and populists. That tension might undermine policy clarity and consistency. For you, watching how these coalitions manage economic reform, land policy, and public service delivery can offer insight into whether this model works.
Key Party Ideologies and Voter Appeal
Here are the core themes each major party emphasises:
- ANC: transformation, national unity, black economic empowerment, maintaining legacy.
- DA: clean governance, private-sector growth, meritocracy, rule of law.
- EFF: radical economic change, land expropriation, nationalisation, youth appeal.
- MK Party: Zulu nationalism, populism, left-wing social policy, anti-establishment.
- Smaller parties (BOSA, RISE, etc.): fresh leadership, moderate reform, attempt to capture frustrated voters.
For you as an observer, these ideologies show how South African politics mix post-liberation aspirations with new generational demands, economic realities and regional/ethnic identities.
Regional and Demographic Trends
South Africa does not vote uniformly. The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng (including Johannesburg and Pretoria) and the Western Cape show varying party strengths. For example, the MK Party found strong support in KwaZulu-Natal, whereas the DA is stronger in urban Western Cape areas.
You should also note age differences: younger voters under 35 showed more support for the EFF and MK than older voters. Economic concerns like youth unemployment and access to quality education drive these patterns. Ethnic, linguistic and regional identities remain politically relevant in South Africa.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch
As you continue to follow South African politics, consider these issues:
- Will the coalition government deliver on economic growth, jobs and service delivery?
- Can the ANC rebuild its majority or will smaller parties keep rising?
- Will the rise of populist or ethnic-based parties reshape national unity and identity politics?
- How will land reform, energy reliability and infrastructure investment play out under new governance?
- Will new parties (or mergers) capture the “third force” of voter discontent and upset the established order?
Why This Matters to a U.S. Audience
Even though you live in the U.S., South Africa matters. It is the largest economy in Africa, a regional power, and a country with deep historical significance. Its political shifts influence foreign investment, global trade in minerals, climate policy, and human-rights discourse.
Watching how its parties evolve gives you insight into how emerging democracies manage legacy-liberation parties, economic transition and the rise of new political voices—all issues that resonate globally.
Conclusion
South Africa’s political party system is at a turning point. The era of one-party dominance has ended, and coalition politics, new parties and changing voter behaviour all signal a more open but complex future. The major parties—the ANC, DA, EFF, MK Party—each have distinct identities and challenges. Smaller parties add further dynamism.
For you, the take-away is that South African politics now require greater attention to alliances, ideology shifts and regional dynamics. The next few years will reveal whether the country can harness this new era of politics to drive growth, inclusion and stability.
