In South Africa, the public doesn’t vote directly for the president. Instead, they vote for members of Parliament (MPs), who then elect the president. The leader of the party that secures a majority in the National Assembly usually becomes the head of state.
Here’s a quick look at the key party leaders vying for leadership:
Cyril Ramaphosa
The incumbent president and leader of the African National Congress (ANC), Ramaphosa is seeking a second term. At 71, his resume is extensive. He’s a seasoned politician who played a crucial role in negotiating the end of apartheid alongside Nelson Mandela. He’s also been a trade unionist, mine boss, and business tycoon. His first term has faced challenges like high unemployment, frequent power outages, and corruption allegations. Ramaphosa pledges to create millions of jobs, eradicate corruption, and attract more investment.
John Steenhuisen
Leading the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s second-largest party, Steenhuisen is the official opposition leader. The DA promotes greater privatization and has promised to end power cuts and halve violent crime rates. However, Steenhuisen, a white man in a country where whites make up only 7% of the population but hold significant economic power, faces the contentious issue of race. Many question if South Africa is ready for a white president.
Julius Malema
At the helm of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the third-largest party, Malema focuses on inequality and criticizes the ANC’s inadequate land redistribution efforts from the white minority to the black majority. His impassioned speeches and radical stance have garnered a significant following, particularly among poor black South Africans and young voters. At 43, Malema is known for his controversial political career and has often sparked heated debates.
These leaders represent the diverse political landscape of South Africa, each with distinct visions and challenges as they aim for the presidency.
