South Africa's Democracy at Crossroads as Silent Crisis Threatens Hard-Fought Gains

The upcoming general elections in South Africa on May 29 are expected to be a closely contested affair. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) is facing a significant challenge, with some predicting it may lose its outright majority. Propagandists and scammers have been exploiting xenophobia and anger over failing infrastructure to sway public opinion. For instance, AI-generated images have been used to highlight poor road conditions in opposition-run cities like Cape Town.

South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy is marked by significant milestones. The country held its first democratic elections in 1994, which saw millions of voters participate and deliver a decisive victory for the African National Congress (ANC) under Nelson Mandela's leadership. This election was seen as a major blow to apartheid, a system that had subjected Black people to segregationist laws and practices since its adoption in 1948. The ANC used the Freedom Charter as a guide to form a new nation, with a vision of equality and justice for all. However, some experts suggest that the ruling party may lose its majority for the first time in upcoming elections.