South Africa's 2024 Elections: Young Voters Seek New Leadership and Change Amid Disillusionment with Democracy and Political Parties

Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa
ANC, once a liberation movement, is now blamed for joblessness, crime and an economy blighted by electricity blackouts.
New leadership within ANC or outside is desired by young voters to address corruption and mismanagement allegations.
South Africa's upcoming elections on May 28, 2024 will have significant impact due to large numbers of young voters.
Young voters are disillusioned with democracy and political parties in South Africa.
Young voter turnout has been dropping below 50% in recent years.
South Africa's 2024 Elections: Young Voters Seek New Leadership and Change Amid Disillusionment with Democracy and Political Parties

South Africa's Upcoming Elections: Young Voters and Their Expectations

South Africa is set to hold its general elections on May 28, 2024. This election holds significant importance as young voters are expected to have a substantial influence on the outcome due to their large numbers. In this article, we will explore what young voters in South Africa want from their next leader based on various sources.

Young Voters' Influence and Expectations

According to DW News, young voters in South Africa will have a significant impact on the upcoming elections. The expectations of the youth for their next leader are a topic of interest (DW News, 2024). Another article from BBC reports that social media influencers popular with the youth have been stepping into new roles as political mobilizers, encouraging young people to vote without explicitly endorsing any party (BBC, 2024).

Disillusionment with Democracy and Political Parties

The New York Times reports that democracy has lost its luster for a new generation in South Africa. Voter turnout has been dropping consistently in recent years, falling below 50% for the first time in the 2021 municipal elections (New York Times, 2024). The African National Congress (ANC), which was once a liberation movement before becoming a political machine, is now blamed for joblessness, rampant crime, and an economy blighted by electricity blackouts.

New Leadership and Change

Fasiha Hassan, the youngest member of Gauteng's provincial legislature at 30 years old and an ANC member, advocates for separate courts for sexual violence to improve safety. She believes there is a hunger in South Africa for new leadership within the ANC and outside (The Guardian, 2024). Hassan emphasizes the need for the ANC to evolve or risk dying out as a political force.

Corruption and Mismanagement Allegations

President Cyril Ramaphosa's ANC is credited with winning freedom for all South Africans and lifting millions from poverty. However, it has lost appeal, particularly among young people due to graft, mismanagement allegations, and a slumbering economy (Barrons, 2024). Youth unemployment in South Africa is among the highest in the world at 45.5%.

Conclusion

The upcoming South African elections on May 28, 2024, will be crucial for determining which party or alliance will pick the president. Young voters are expected to play a significant role due to their large numbers. They have expressed disillusionment with the current political landscape and are looking for new leadership and change.


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Confidence

85%

Doubts
  • It is unclear if there are any other political parties or alliances that could challenge the ANC's dominance.
  • The sources used in the article do not provide specific data on the number of young voters or their demographics.

Sources

94%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

South Africa’s Young Democracy Leaves Its Young Voters Disillusioned

The Name Of The NZ Prefix. I PWA NZI.P.Was Dropped. Lynsey Chutel, Tuesday, 28 May 2024 04:01
  • Unique Points
    • Democracy has lost its luster for a new generation in South Africa.
    • Voter turnout has been dropping consistently in recent years, falling below 50% for the first time in the 2021 municipal elections.
  • Accuracy
    • South Africa held its first free and fair election in 1994 after the fall of apartheid.
    • The African National Congress (A.N.C.) may lose its outright majority for the first time since taking power in 1994.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication

95%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

South Africa election 2024: Influencers rally youth to vote

BBC News Site: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68702081, About Us URL: https://www.bbc.com/aboutthebbc/ Danai Nesta Tuesday, 28 May 2024 13:55
  • Unique Points
    • South Africa's social media influencers, popular with the youth, have been stepping into a new role ahead of this week’s general election as political mobilisers.
    • Karabo ‘Kay’ Mahapa, a TikTok creator with over 350,000 followers, encourages his young audience to vote without explicitly endorsing any party.
  • Accuracy
    • The African National Congress (ANC) may lose its outright majority in parliament for the first time since 1994 due to allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement during their three decades in power.
    • The ANC hopes to conquer but may struggle in the South Africa polls as opinion polls suggest a loss of outright majority.
    • Unemployment rate in South Africa is nearly 33% leaving many people desperate and potentially open to being influenced by political parties through content creators.
  • Deception (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Fallacies (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Bias (95%)
    The author does not explicitly express bias towards any political party in the article. However, she mentions that one of the influencers, Mahapa, has made it clear which party he will not be voting for (ANC). The author also states that there is no great enthusiasm for the main opposition party (DA) in the comments section. This could potentially indicate a bias against both major parties. However, it's important to note that this is an observation of the comments section and does not necessarily reflect the author's bias. Additionally, there are several instances where the author mentions allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement against the ANC, which could be seen as critical reporting rather than bias.
    • It is impossible to know how many of those will agree with Mahapa but if opinion polls are correct then the ANC may lose its outright majority in parliament for the first time since 1994, at the end of white-minority rule.
      • The recurring question under Mahapa’s election-themed videos – Who are we voting for? - reflects a generation’s uncertainty.
        • Under the Mahapa video, one person commented: As much as we don’t know who to vote for the ANC must go. We are tired of this toxic relationship with them.
        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication
        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
          None Found At Time Of Publication

        90%

        The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
        (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

        A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

        ‘Unlock the door or we’ll kick it down’: why South Africa’s youngest politician is in a hurry for change

        theguardian.com Article URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/feb/13/ pakistan-·coalition-·agrees-to-form-government Oren Gruenbaum Friday, 24 May 2024 06:00
        • Unique Points
          • South Africa's upcoming quarterly refunding update from the US Treasury will provide information on bond supply.
          • ’Fasiha Hassan, a law graduate and ANC member,’ became the youngest member of Gauteng's provincial legislature at 30 years old.
          • ’She advocates for separate courts for sexual violence to improve safety.’
          • ’Hassan believes there is a hunger in South Africa for new leadership within the ANC and outside.’
          • ’She emphasizes the need for the ANC to evolve or risk dying out as a political force.’
          • ’Hassan criticizes Zimbabwe and Russia's old allies, stating that South Africa cannot support unipolar world views and should instead focus on equal power dynamics through organizations like BRICS.’
          • ’She acknowledges corruption within the ANC but does not believe the party is irredeemable.’
          • ’South Africa is considered the world's most unequal country, with wealth disparities growing since apartheid.’
        • Accuracy
          • The African National Congress (ANC) could see its vote share fall below 50% for the first time in the upcoming elections.
          • South Africa is considered the world’s most unequal country, with wealth disparities growing since apartheid.
        • Deception (80%)
          The article contains several instances of emotional manipulation and selective reporting. The author uses phrases like 'stinging rebuke', 'hunger for new leadership', and 'evolve or die' to elicit an emotional response from the reader. Additionally, the author focuses on the potential fall of the ANC's vote share below 50% without mentioning that it is still a significant number and that other parties may also have large voter bases. The article does not disclose any sources.
          • It's an uphill battle to fight corruption.
          • Three decades on from the birth of democracy in the country, the ANC could see its vote share fall below 50% for the first time.
          • There is a hunger in South Africa for new leadership, within the ANC and outside. They must evolve.
        • Fallacies (85%)
          The article contains some inflammatory rhetoric and appeals to authority, but overall it is a well-reported piece with clear distinctions between the author's opinions and those of the subject. There are no formal fallacies present in the text.
          • Unlock the door or we’ll kick it down:
          • We need an intergenerational mix, that expertise; but there’s no new energy or ideas to fix the country”.
          • One of the consequences of apartheid and hundreds of years of colonialism has been a very violent society. We haven’t healed,” she says. “We need a sort of Truth and Reconciliation Commission in our own communities dealing with gender violence.”
        • Bias (95%)
          The author expresses a clear bias towards the young politician Fasiha Hassan and her efforts to bring change to South Africa's political landscape. The author uses language that depicts Hassan as a bold and impatient leader who is determined to 'unlock the door or kick it down' in order to gain representation for young people and women in politics. The author also expresses support for Hassan's ideas on gender-based violence, equal representation, and economic development. This bias is evident throughout the article.
          • An ANC Women’s League prayer and campaign event in Johannesburg this week, before South Africa’s general elections next week. The final rallies will be held this weekend before the country heads to the polls on Wednesday.
            • At 30, Hassan is the same age as democratic South Africa and in a hurry to see a transfer of power from the old guard.
              • But she is quick to stress South Africa’s non-aligned position: ‘We can no longer support a unipolar world ... Brics [an alliance of developing nations] can help create a world that’s more equal in terms of power dynamics; it gives us more leverage on the world stage.’
                • In 2019, the law graduate became the youngest member of the provincial legislature for Gauteng,...now she is 65th on the ANC’s list of 200 candidates for the parliamentary elections.
                  • She insists: ‘We need a seat at the decision-making table.’
                    • There is a hunger in South Africa for new leadership, within the ANC and outside. They must evolve.
                      • The sense of an age gap within the party also comes out in her dissenting attitude to the ANC’s old allies in Zimbabwe...
                        • To combat South Africa’s high levels of domestic violence, she has taken up innovative ideas such as empowering social workers and community activists to record statements in rape cases so survivors do not have to go immediately to the police, with all the trauma that entails.
                          • Young people, she says, are central to the ‘renewal project’ of the ANC.
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication

                          98%

                          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                          South Africa election 2024: Here's what young voters want – DW – 05/28/2024

                          Deutsche Welle News Site Review by AI - Bias, Contradictions, Deceptiveness Analysis (English Edition) Tuesday, 28 May 2024 13:58
                          • Unique Points
                            • Young voters in South Africa will have a significant influence in the upcoming elections on Wednesday, May 28, 2024.
                            • The expectations of the youth for their next leader are a topic of interest.
                          • Accuracy
                            No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                          • Deception (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Fallacies (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Bias (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (0%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication

                          84%

                          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                          S. Africa Vote Fails To Inspire Jo'burg Township Youth

                          Barron's Financial Group Gersende RAMBOURG Wednesday, 22 May 2024 02:47
                          • Unique Points
                            • President Cyril Ramaphosa's ANC is credited with winning freedom for all South Africans and lifting millions from poverty.
                            • The ANC has lost appeal, particularly among young people due to graft, mismanagement allegations, and a slumbering economy.
                            • Youth unemployment in South Africa is among the highest in the world at 45.5%.
                          • Accuracy
                            • South Africans will vote in general elections on May 29, 2023.
                            • The African National Congress (ANC) is expected to lose its outright parliamentary majority for the first time.
                            • President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ANC is credited with winning freedom for all South Africans and lifting millions from poverty.
                          • Deception (70%)
                            The author makes editorializing statements and uses emotional manipulation by describing the disillusionment of young people in South Africa towards the ANC and democracy. She also uses selective reporting by focusing on the negative aspects of youth unemployment and lack of voter registration among young people, while not mentioning any potential positive reasons for their apathy or other factors that may contribute to these issues.
                            • At 45.5 percent, youth unemployment is among the highest in the world.
                            • But Phorothwe, 30, and many others have since grown disillusioned about the state of the 30-year-old democracy that Mandela fought for so hard.
                            • Many are still sleeping or smoking
                            • What if whoever wins becomes worse than the ANC?
                          • Fallacies (75%)
                            The article contains a few informal fallacies and appeals to authority. It does not contain any formal logical fallacies or dichotomous depictions. The author quotes various individuals expressing their opinions on the political situation in South Africa, but these opinions do not constitute logical fallacies attributed to the author.
                            • The African National Congress has experienced a sharp decline in support and is expected to lose its outright parliamentary majority for the first time. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ANC is credited with winning freedom for all South Africans and lifting millions from abject poverty. But, beset by graft and mismanagement allegations and a slumbering economy, it has lost appeal.
                            • At 45.5 percent, youth unemployment is among the highest in the world. Their votes could prove decisive.
                            • The ANC is overly maligned, said Khuthadzo, 26, a management consultant dressed in bright colours.
                          • Bias (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Site Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (100%)
                            None Found At Time Of Publication