South Africa between Polarisation and Populism

Three decades after the end of apartheid, South Africa’s young democracy faces profound challenges. Persistent inequality, political polarization, and the legacy of racial segregation continue to shape the country’s future. Following the 2024 elections, the African National Congress (ANC) lost significant support and entered a Government of National Unity with several other parties. At the same time, populist movements and identity-based politics are reshaping the political landscape, making consensus and stable governance increasingly difficult. In this episode, we explore with Gregor Jaecke, Head of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation’s South Africa Office, and Doctor Holger Dix, Head of the Konrad- Adenauer Foundation’s Regional Programme Political Dialogue Sub-Saharan Africa, the fragmentation of South Africa’s party system, the challenges facing its democracy, and the prospects for reform, social justice, and political stability. We also examine similar political trends across other African countries, where economic pressures, democratic backsliding, and growing public discontent are reshaping political landscapes and challenging established parties.