Against the backdrop of South Africa’s upcoming national and provincial elections (NPEs) set to take place on 29 May 2024 — ACCORD hosted a roundtable to discuss the political stability in the province of KZN. The province is of strategic importance economically and politically more specifically in these upcoming elections as it currently holds the second-highest number of registered voters across all provinces; and is tied with Gauteng as the largest provincial legislature comprising 80 seats.
Many commentators predict that the province may be governed by a coalition, considering KZN has a history of coalition governance at provincial level between 1994 and 2006; has the largest number of local municipalities governed by coalition; and the governing party in the provincial legislature obtained 54.22% of the vote in the last NPEs, down from 64.52%. The province is also cause for concern regarding the heightened political contestation, highlighted by three of the four largest political parties in the country all having launched their manifestos in Durban, KZN. Moreover, the province’s history of political violence and the contemporary context of a resurgence in politically motivated assassinations of local councillors especially since the 2021 local government elections, emphasises the need to monitor the KZN political climate.
The roundtable convened various key stakeholders based in KZN to share views and experiences regarding the political developments and outlook in the province. Stakeholders included: H.E. Ambassador Austin Gormley, Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to South Africa; Ms Sibusisiwe Nkosi, of the Embassy of the Republic of Ireland to South Africa; Mr Willies Mchunu, former Premier of KZN and member of the ANC; Rev Musa Zondi, Honourable Member of the KZN Legislature and member of the IFP; Prof Paulus Zulu, Director of the Maurice Webb Race Relations Unit, UKZN; Bishop Micheal Vorster, Methodist Church of Southern Africa; Dr Imraan Buccus, Academic Director of the School for International Training; Dr Paul Kariuki, Executive Director of the Democracy Development Programme; and Inkosi Thandisizwe Mpungose, Founder of Bekezela Community Foundation.
The stakeholders shared expert opinions on the history of the province and its current political dynamics, the Independent Electoral Commission and its readiness for the election, potential coalition alliances, and the impact of new political entrants. Furthermore, participants shared concern on the need to ensure peace and security is upheld in KZN before, during and after the elections. Thus, the event continues ACCORD’s work to contribute towards conflict prevention/mitigation and political stability in the KZN province and the country.This event forms part of ACCORD’s Project, funded by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, which uses research and capacity-building components, to contribute towards sustainable coalitions at local government level in South Africa. It therefore aligns with one of ACCORD’s strategic objectives to contribute evidence-based analysis, policy support and knowledge to respond to complex conflicts.
