![Are we already in election mode?](https://cdn.magzter.com/1373618752/1697614352/articles/gQIpQR3M91697634127582/ARE-WE-ALREADY-IN-ELECTION-MODE.jpg)
The next general election is six to seven months away, but government actions and party political debates seem to have already moved into election mode. In terms of the Constitution and electoral legislation, South Africa should have its next general and provincial elections in May 2024 in terms of the amended Electoral Act.
The foremost implication of the new Electoral Amendment Act 1 of 2023 is that independent candidates can now participate in the national election for both the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. In the case of the National Assembly, they will contest in the provincial lists (200 out of 400 members of Parliament).
The context in which the election is going to take place will be influenced by several very important issues and developments, such as the inability of the economy to grow at levels higher than 0,5% since state capture and COVID-19, resulting in high unemployment, rising inflation and higher interest rates.
Other factors are the intensification and cost of load-shedding due to the mismanagement of Eskom; cost-of-living challenges due to the impact of the war in Ukraine; and price increases linked to food security in general. In addition, the crisis at Transnet has had a major impact on the poor performance of the economy.
A trust deficit has developed between the citizenry and the ruling ANC, resulting in low polling numbers.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 27, 2023-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 27, 2023-Ausgabe von Farmer's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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![More funding needed to flood-proof Olifants River](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3894/1820211/VBasj4FXZ1725539857303/MORE-FUNDING-NEEDED-TO-FLOODPROOF-OLIFANTS-RIVER.jpg)
More funding needed to flood-proof Olifants River
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer recently handed over R14,98 million to the Citrusdal Water Users’ Association.
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Zambia, Burundi agree to maximise agri potential
In a bid to capitalise on the livestock and arable land in Zambia and Burundi, the two countries have agreed in principle to review the existing bilateral trade agreement in agricultural products under memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and to bolster foreign exchange earnings.
![Expanded market brings avocado season success](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3894/1820211/gYsTt7Yxm1725539697707/EXPANDED-MARKET-BRINGS-AVOCADO-SEASON-SUCCESS.jpg)
Expanded market brings avocado season success
The South African avocado industry is making headway in India after gaining market access earlier this year. Supported by the World Avocado Organization (WAO), consumers and food businesses in India are being educated about the health benefits of regular avocado consumption and how best to use this fruit in Indian cuisine.
![Plan needed to enhance competitiveness of SA's deciduous fruit canning industry](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3894/1820211/hIPDsywUj1725539549374/PLAN-NEEDED-TO-ENHANCE-COMPETITIVENESS-OF-SAS-DECIDUOUS-FRUIT-CANNING-INDUSTRY.jpg)
Plan needed to enhance competitiveness of SA's deciduous fruit canning industry
Dr Heinrich Jantjies, group risk, safety and security director at Tiger Brands, says the deciduous fruit canning industry has been on a decline in South Africa since 2016. He suggests implementing a Deciduous Fruit Canning Industry Recovery and Competitive Plan to turn the industry around.
![Kruger's memory lingers in his Boekenhoutfontein farmhouses](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3894/1820211/o3E0Gk2-I1725539319019/KRUGERS-MEMORY-LINGERS-IN-HIS-BOEKENHOUTFONTEIN-FARMHOUSES.jpg)
Kruger's memory lingers in his Boekenhoutfontein farmhouses
Lucille Davie visits Kedar Heritage Lodge in North West to see the farmhouses Paul Kruger owned.
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From street art to feats of engineering, Bristol has it all
Brian Berkman visits the vibrant UK port city of Bristol and says two days are not enough to explore renowned graffiti artist Banksy's hometown and pop in at all the historical taverns.
![Managing broodmares and foals profitably and safely](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/3894/1820211/CMdKpFFox1725538948378/MANAGING-BROODMARES-AND-FOALS-PROFITABLY-AND-SAFELY.jpg)
Managing broodmares and foals profitably and safely
Broodmares and their foals are at high risk of stress, diseases and injuries if their management is suboptimal, says Dr Mac.
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Double cab's leisure features find favour
The GWM P500 2.0T HEV 4x4 Super Luxury AT has launched in South Africa, and the bakkie takes aim at the more premium, leisure-focused offerings from rival brands. Car Magazine's Marius Boonzaier writes.
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More fungal diseases that can infect beans
Bill Kerr explains the symptoms of angular leaf spot and anthracnose and how to avoid infection in your fields.
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Keeping invasive insects at bay
Featuring an array of delicious fruit from peaches to cherries, stone fruit is attractive to a variety of bugs that can be effectively controlled with integrated pest management, writes Zunel van Eeden.