Time to press pause

Faith in electoral democracy seems to have declined.’

- Zanele Mbengo

South Africa is in a political crisis after no party won an outright majority in last month's general election and this necessitates deep reflection on the future direction of the country, says Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, chair of the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.

"For the first time in 30 years the electorate has decided not to give any political party a majority vote," she said. "This presents an opportunity for citizens, communities, to review the past years and focus on what has gone wrong.

"The result produced by the 2024 election calls upon all of us to reflect on the South Africa we want for the future and our children," she added.

During a briefing at Sanctuary Mandela, the Thabo Mbeki and Ahmed Kathrada foundations, the Robert Sobukwe Trust and a other organisations called for a national dialogue aimed at uniting the country and to reflect on its future.