Poor service delivery catches up with political parties in South Africa’s 2024 Election

The 2024 elections in South Africa have caused significant shifts in political power, with the ANC losing representation in all provinces and the DA gaining marginal representation in four provinces. The rapid rise of the MK party in Kwazulu Natal, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng introduces uncertainty in infrastructure development for 2024/25. Potential coalition talks and policy shifts could delay ongoing projects, with political instability and new administrations possibly launching their own projects. Voter turnout decreased to 58.6 percent from 66.1 percent in 2019, reflecting poor service delivery. Since 2009, social infrastructure expenditure has dropped by 46 percent, correlating with a 24 percent decline in voter turnout. Public sector construction tender activity showed varied trends, with a 22 percent increase in 2023 driven by gains in Kwazulu Natal and Mpumalanga, though declines were seen in Gauteng, Limpopo, and the Northern and Western Cape. Despite regional variations, tender activity remains higher by 16 percent up to April 2024, particularly with a 48 percent increase in Kwazulu Natal… Click here to read the full review