Political analyst Professor Lesiba Teffo has accused powerful business interests of deliberately fragmenting the black vote in South Africa’s 2024 elections, leading to the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) and weakening the African National Congress (ANC).
Teffo argues that the surge of small, black-led parties—many backed by wealthy domestic and foreign donors—was a calculated strategy to prevent a unified black political front. Out of 52 parties that registered for the elections, only 18 secured seats in the National Assembly, with some unknown or under-resourced groups unexpectedly entering Parliament.
A Return to Divide-and-Rule?
“The strategy of divide and rule has been with African politics for a long time,” Teffo said. “It metamorphoses itself in various forms as life progresses.” He suggested that the funding of multiple parties was designed to split the black vote, ensuring no single faction could dominate.
The ANC, which has governed since 1994, saw its support plummet to just 40% in the elections, forcing it into a coalition government—a first in post-apartheid South Africa. Teffo claimed this outcome benefits white economic elites, who he says are “more politically emboldened today than in 1994 because the natives could not unite.”
Erosion of Black Unity?
Former MP and Accountability Course founder Anele Mda echoed Teffo’s concerns, stating that the flood of new parties diluted the democratic gains fought for by black South Africans. “The most powerful tool in the hands of an oppressor is the mind of the oppressed,” she said.
Black consciousness groups, including AZAPO and the Socialist Party of Azania, allege that political outcomes are now dictated by donors rather than voters. “The will of the people doesn’t exist in South Africa’s democracy—it is the will of the donors,” a representative said.
Fractures in the “Progressive” Camp
Even parties advocating black unity, such as the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), have faced internal divisions. The recent defection of senior EFF member Floyd Shivambu to the MKP has further exposed rifts in the so-called “progressive caucus.”
As coalition negotiations continue, critics warn that without genuine solidarity among black-led parties, the dream of unified political and economic liberation may remain out of reach.