2024 Election Update

14 Jun 2024

Update: Increased risk for demonstrations nationwide to voice dissatisfaction with the GNU agreement involving ANC, DA, IFP, and PA.

The African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and Patriotic Alliance (PA) have signed a framework agreement to form a government of national union (GNU).

Reportedly, the agreement supports President Cyril Ramaphosa (ANC) as President, Thoko Didiza (ANC) as Speaker of the NA, and Annelie Lotriet (DA) as Deputy Speaker. The agreement will be published and precedes a comprehensive agreement to be drafted within the next six weeks.

Note that several members and supporters of the ANC and its alliance partners, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the South African Communist Party (SACP), and ANC-affiliate the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), have voiced dissatisfaction with a possible coalition between the DA and ANC. Additionally, parties such as the United Democratic Movement (UDM), African Transformation Movement (ATM), Al Jama-ah, and Pan Africanist Congress of South Africa (PAC) have requested that the ANC not form a government with the DA. Furthermore, opposition parties, including the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, have indicated their refusal to join a GNU or coalition agreement with the ANC alongside the DA.

Operational Risk Alert

The risk for demonstrations to voice dissatisfaction with the GNU agreement between the ANC, DA, IFP, and PA materialising nationwide (with an increased likelihood thereof in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal due to the supposed inclusion of the provinces in the agreement as well as in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga due to the support for the MK Party in the province) from 14/06/2024 could increase. 

Applicable risks in the event of unrest include arson, barricading of roads, malicious damage to property, intimidation, looting, hijacking/looting of trucks, as well as clashes between demonstrators, members/supporters of rival political parties, and authorities. Note that additional South African Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployment remain in place.

Reports have been received of members/supporters of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party as well as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) embarking on demonstrations at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature (239 Langalibalele Street, Pietermaritzburg Central, KwaZulu-Natal), during the first sitting of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature.

Operational Readiness 

Excellerate Services teams will continue to monitor all intelligence channels and maintain a state of operational readiness in order to act swiftly if any threats are reported. We will continue to provide timely updates and take proactive measures to address any potential risks. 

For further information or assistance, please contact our support team at our National Command Centre on 086 11 00 11.