ANC faces forming a coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA), which gained just over 21% of the vote. Picture: Supplied
The political landscape in South Africa is shifting after the governing ANC failed to attain a 50% majority in the 2024 national elections. The country is poised to form a coalition government, a development that has ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media platforms, especially on TikTok.
The 2024 elections have marked a pivotal moment in the nation's history. The ANC’s failure to secure a majority has necessitated negotiations with other political parties to form a coalition government.
The ANC’s National Executive Committee is currently meeting at the Birchwood Hotel in the Ekurhuleni, where they are expected to decide on what route the country will take in terms of forming a coalition government for the seventh administration.
IOL reported on Wednesday that the ANC’s National Working Committee had proposed to the NEC a National Government of Unity comprising parties such as the DA, EFF, IFP, PA and NFP.
This political shift has generated a mix of hope, scepticism, and curiosity among South Africans, with TikTok becoming a vibrant hub for expressing these sentiments.
The Voice of the Youth
TikTok, a platform dominated by young users, has seen a surge in content related to the elections and the potential coalition government.
Young South Africans are using the platform to voice their opinions, share memes, and engage in debates about the future of their country.
In one TikTok video from @t_techz, they passionately expresses their stance against the ANC forming a coalition with the DA.
With fervent conviction, they articulate their concerns, emphasising the ideological differences between the two parties and the potential consequences of such a collaboration.
@t_techz I pray the ANC does not go into coalition with the DA🇨![CDATA[]]>🇩![CDATA[]]>🇸![CDATA[]]>🇩![CDATA[]]>🇵![CDATA[]]>🇸 🍉![CDATA[]]>🍉![CDATA[]]>🍉 💚![CDATA[]]>🖤❤️
♬ original sound - t_techz
They highlight issues such as historical disparities, socio-economic inequality, and the preservation of democratic values, urging viewers to critically assess the implications of such a political alliance.
Satire and Humor
As with many significant events, satire and humor have played a crucial role in TikTok's response. Creators have produced a plethora of comedic content, poking fun at the negotiations between political parties and the potential chaos of a coalition government.
Notable among these is the account @coolstorybru_, which has garnered considerable attention with a video detailing the election results and the implications of a coalition government.
@coolstorybru_ These are the results of the South African national election after 98% of the votes counted 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 #southafrica #tiktoksouthafrica🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦 #southafricantiktok ♬ original sound - Cool Story Bru! 🇿![CDATA[]]>🇦
A significant number of TikTok users have expressed concerns about the stability and effectiveness of a coalition government. Some fear that the necessity to constantly negotiate and compromise could lead to political gridlock and hinder progress on crucial issues.
However, many TikTok users have wanted to find the humour in this situation, much like @llul.ama.
@llul.ama I never saw this coming😭✋🏽 #election2024 #SAMA28 #fyp ♬ uncledzai - dzaii
A Platform for Political Education
Beyond reactions, TikTok has also become a platform for political education. Creators are using the platform to explain the concept of coalition governments, their potential benefits, and pitfalls.
These educational videos have helped demystify the political process for many young South Africans, fostering a more informed and engaged electorate.
Tiktok user @bykaitlinrawson has posted a series of videos breaking down the election results, the mechanics of coalition governments, and historical examples from other countries.
These videos have been praised for their clarity and accessibility, making complex political concepts understandable for a broad audience.
@bykaitlinrawson Replying to @tlamimatshego #greenscreen honestly I have no idea how this is gonna go but its gonna be interesting to watch #election2024 ♬ original sound - Kaitlin Rawson
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