All the big changes to National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures in South Africa – BusinessTech
[ad_1]
South Africa faces an unprecedented political landscape after its recent election, with the announcement of the fina results of the 2024 general elections showing that no single party an holds a majority in parliament, as well as three provincial legislatures.
With 16,025,198 votes cast and a 58.61% turnout rate, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lost its 30-year long parliamentary majority, securing 39.77% of the National Assembly (NA) vote (national and regional ballot).
Clinching 159 out of the 400 seats in parliament, the party is down 71 seats from 2019.
In addition to this, the ANC dropped its support base in all nine provincial legislatures (PL) and lost its provincial majority in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and Northern Cape.
As shown in the composition of the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures below, the vote is fragmented, with coalitions needed in numerous instances to form a government (50% +1 of the vote in the NA/PL).
Below is a breakdown of the seat composition of the seventh administration, showing an increased fragmentation of South Africa’s political system.
National Assembly: 400 seats
Made up of the votes of the national (compensator
| Party | Regional Seats | Compensatory Seats | Total National Assembly Seats | Seat Change (vs 2019) |
| ANC | 86 | 73 | 159 | -71 |
| DA | 45 | 42 | 87 | +3 |
| MK | 27 | 31 | 58 | +58 |
| EFF | 22 | 17 | 39 | -5 |
| IFP | 9 | 8 | 17 | +3 |
| PA | 4 | 5 | 9 | +9 |
| ActionSA | 2 | 4 | 6 | +6 |
| VF Plus | 2 | 4 | 6 | -4 |
| ACDP | – | 3 | 3 | -1 |
| UDM | 1 | 2 | 3 | +1 |
| N/CCC | 1 | 1 | 2 | +2 |
| RISE | 1 | 1 | 2 | +2 |
| Al Jama | – | 2 | 2 | +1 |
| ATM | – | 2 | 2 | – |
| BOSA | – | 2 | 2 | +2 |
| GOOD | – | 1 | 1 | -1 |
| PAC | – | 1 | 1 | +1 |
| UAT | – | 1 | 1 | +1 |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 400 |
The ANC suffered a significant loss, shedding 71 seats compared to 2019, yet remains the largest party with 159 seats, while the DA gained three seats, securing 87 seats in total.
There are 18 political parties heading to parliament for the seventh administration.
Notably, the emergence of former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has reshaped the political landscape, with MK securing 58 seats, mostly seen to be taken off the ANC. Conversely, the EFF experienced a minor decline, losing five seats and holding 39 seats overall, and dropping to being the fourth largest party in the NA.
The IFP saw a minor increase, scooping up 17 seats in total, while Gayton McKenzie’s Patriotic Alliance, making its parliamentary debut with 9 seats.
Coalition discussions are taking place among the four major political parties and others with a significant share of votes. ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa is tasked with overcoming internal divisions within the ANC to establish a coalition government.
The ANC could potentially ally with the Democratic Alliance (DA) or smaller parties like the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), despite ideological differences and concerns that the latter’s radical agendas might deter foreign investors.
Analysts believe a coalition between ANC and DA, possibly including smaller parties, offers the best chance for stability. The situation is complicated by Jacob Zuma’s demand for Ramaphosa’s resignation for MK’s support, reflecting their rivalry. Additionally, the EFF’s diminished electoral support lessens its bargaining power in coalition talks.
Gauteng provincial legislature: 80 seats
*Note – the Gauteng Provincial Legislature changed from 73 seats in the sixth administration, to 80 in the seventh. Thus, changes will be tracked as legislature seat share percentage.
| Party | Gauteng legislature seats | Party legislature composition | Legislature seat share % change (vs 2019) |
| ANC | 28 | 35% | -15.68% |
| DA | 22 | 27.50% | +0.10% |
| EFF | 11 | 13.75% | -1.32% |
| MK | 8 | 10% | +10% |
| ActionSA | 3 | 3.75% | +3.75% |
| PA | 2 | 2.50% | +2.50% |
| VF Plus | 2 | 2.50% | -1.61% |
| ACDP | 1 | 1.25% | -0.12% |
| BOSA | 1 | 1.25% | +1.25% |
| IFP | 1 | 1.25% | -0.12% |
| RISE | 1 | 1.25% | +1.25% |
| Total | 80 |
A province set for coalition politics, the ANC suffered a notable decline in seat share, losing 15.68% of its seats compared to the previous election, yet it remains the dominant party with 35% of the legislature seats.
The DA experienced a marginal increase of 0.10% in its seat share, holding 27.50% of the seats.
The EFF saw a slight decrease of 1.32% in its seat share, holding 13.75% of the seats.
The emergence of new parties like uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) and ActionSA has impacted the landscape, with MK gaining 10% of the seats and ActionSA securing 3.75% of the seats. Other parties also experienced changes in their seat shares, with several new faces to the legislature.
KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature: 80 seats
| Party | KZN legislature seats | Seat change (vs 2019) |
| MK | 37 | +37 |
| IFP | 15 | +2 |
| ANC | 14 | -30 |
| DA | 11 | – |
| EFF | 2 | -6 |
| NFP | 1 | – |
| Total | 80 |
The most significant change is the emergence of the MK party, which gained 37 seats in Zuma’s home province, signaling a notable shift in political dynamics within the province. This substantial gain positions MK as a major player in KZN politics.
The IFP experienced a modest increase of two seats, consolidating its presence in the legislature.
Meanwhile, the ANC suffered a substantial loss, shedding 30 seats compared to the previous election. This decline reflects a significant shift in voter support away from the ANC within the province.
The DA maintained its seat count from the previous election, while the EFF saw a decrease of six seats.
The National Freedom Party (NFP) secured one seat and is seen to be the possible kingmaker in the province.
Western Cape provincial legislature: 42 seats
| Party | Western Cape legislature seats | Seat change (vs 2019) |
| DA | 24 | – |
| ANC | 8 | -4 |
| PA | 3 | +3 |
| EFF | 2 | – |
| ACDP | 1 | – |
| Al Jama | 1 | – |
| GOOD | 1 | – |
| NCC | 1 | +1 |
| VF Plus | 1 | – |
| Total | 42 |
The DA maintained its dominance in the province, holding 24 seats, which is consistent with its performance in the previous election.
The ANC experienced a decrease of four seats compared to 2019, highlighting a continued decline in support for the party within the province.
The emergence of the PA, as well as other smaller parties such as the GOOD, the National Civic Coalition (NCC), and Al Jama, each secured representation in the legislature, collectively gaining six seats.
The EFF, African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), and Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) maintained their seat counts from the previous election.
Northern Cape provincial legislature: 30 seats
| Party | Northern Cape legislature seats | Seat change (vs 2019) |
| ANC | 15 | -3 |
| DA | 7 | -1 |
| EFF | 4 | +1 |
| PA | 3 | +3 |
| VF Plus | 1 | – |
| Total | 30 |
The ANC lost three seats, bringing its total to 15 and holding onto a slim majority.
The DA also experienced a decrease, losing one seat and bringing its total to seven.
Conversely, the EFF gained one seat, reaching a total of four seats. Additionally, the PA saw significant growth, gaining three seats.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) maintained its seat count at one.
Free State provincial legislature: 30 seats
| Party | Free State legislature seats | Seat change (vs 2019) |
| ANC | 16 | -3 |
| DA | 7 | +1 |
| EFF | 4 | – |
| ACT | 1 | +1 |
| VF Plus | 1 | – |
| MK | 1 | +1 |
| Total | 30 |
The ANC lost three seats, bringing its total to 16, holding onto a slim majority.
Conversely, the DA gained one seat, totaling seven. The EFF maintained its four seats.
The VF Plus retained its single seat, while the MK party and Ace Magashule’s ACT Part gained representation with one seat.
Mpumalanga provincial legislature: 51 seats
*Note – the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature changed from 30 seats in the sixth administration, to 51 in the seventh. Thus, changes will be tracked as legislature seat share percentage.
| Party | Mpumalanga legislature seats | Party legislature composition | Legislature seat share % change (vs 2019) |
| ANC | 27 | 52.94% | -20.39% |
| MK | 9 | 17.65% | +17.65% |
| EFF | 7 | 13.73% | +0.40% |
| DA | 6 | 11.76% | +1.76% |
| VF Plus | 1 | 1.96% | -1.37% |
| ActionSA | 1 | 1.96% | +1.96% |
| Total | 51 |
The ANC saw a significant decrease in its seat share, losing 20.39% of its seats compared to 2019, bringing its total to 27 seats.
Conversely, the MK party experienced substantial growth, securing 17.65% of the seats with nine representatives.
The EFF maintained a relatively stable seat share, with seven seats, reflecting a minor increase of 0.40%.
The DA gained one additional seat, totaling six, while the VF Plus lost one, holding a seat share of 1.96%.
Additionally, the newly formed ActionSA party secured one seat.
Limpopo provincial legislature: 64 seats
*Note – the Limpopo Provincial Legislature changed from 49 seats in the sixth administration to 64 in the seventh. Thus, changes will be tracked as legislature seat share percentage.
| Party | Limpopo legislature seats | Party legislature composition | Legislature seat share % change (vs 2019) |
| ANC | 48 | 75% | -2.55% |
| EFF | 9 | 14.06% | -0.22% |
| DA | 4 | 6.25% | +0.13% |
| VF Plus | 1 | 1.56% | -0.48% |
| MK | 1 | 1.56% | +1.56% |
| UAT | 1 | 1.56% | +1.56% |
| Total | 64 |
The ANC retained its position as the dominant party, despite experiencing a slight decrease in its seat share compared to 2019. With 48 seats, the ANC holds 75% of the legislature, reflecting a decrease of 2.55% from the previous election.
The EFF maintained its status as the main opposition party, holding nine seats, which accounts for 14.06% of the legislature.
The DA gained one additional seat, bringing its total to four, and the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) retained one seat, constituting 1.56% of the legislature with a slight decrease in its share.
New entrants into the legislature include the MK party and the UAT party, each securing one seat, reflecting 1.56% of the legislature each.
Eastern Cape provincial legislature: 71 seats
*Note – the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature changed from 63 seats in the sixth administration, to 71 in the seventh. Thus, changes will be tracked as legislature seat share percentage.
| Party | Eastern Cape legislature seats | Party legislature composition | Legislature seat share % change (vs 2019) |
| ANC | 45 | 62.5% | -7.34% |
| DA | 11 | 15.49% | -0.38% |
| EFF | 8 | 11.27% | +3.33% |
| UDM | 3 | 4.23% | +1.06% |
| PA | 2 | 2.82% | +2.82% |
| ATM | 1 | 1.41% | -0.17% |
| MK | 1 | 1.41% | +1.41% |
| Total | 71 |
The ANC maintained its dominance, although experiencing a decrease in its seat share compared to 2019. With 45 seats, the ANC holds 62.5% of the legislature, reflecting a decline of 7.34% from the previous election.
The DA scooped up a total of 11 seats, representing 15.49% of the legislature.
The EFF gained three additional seats, bringing its total to eight.
Other parties also gained representation in the legislature, including the United Democratic Movement (UDM), the PA, and the MK party, each securing three, two, and one seat respectively.
North West provincial legislature: 38 seats
*Note – the North West Provincial Legislature changed from 33 seats in the sixth administration, to 38 in the seventh. Thus, changes will be tracked as legislature seat share percentage.
| Party | North West legislature seats | Party legislature composition | Legislature seat share % change (vs 2019) |
| ANC | 23 | 60.51% | -3.13% |
| EFF | 7 | 18.42% | +0.24% |
| DA | 5 | 13.16% | +1.04% |
| ActionSA | 1 | 2.63% | +2.63% |
| MK | 1 | 2.63% | +2.63% |
| VF Plus | 1 | 2.63% | -3.43% |
| Total | 38 |
Despite a slight dip, the ANC maintains it outright majority in the province with 23/33 seats.
The EFF remains the official opposition with 7 seats, followed by the DA.
ActionSA, MK, and the VF Plus each received one seat each.
Read: 2024 South Africa Election: Final national and provincial results and seat allocations
[ad_2]