Johannesburg, South Africa – The 2024 elections in Southern Africa have dramatically reshaped the region’s political landscape, marking a decisive departure from decades of liberation-era dominance. Iconic parties that once drew legitimacy from their role in overthrowing colonial regimes faced unprecedented setbacks, as voters demanded measurable progress on economic and social issues.
This watershed moment reflects the rise of a younger, performance-driven electorate, eager for accountability and tangible change.
By Nthabi NEO Lesufi, Journalist
AfricaHeadline.com
For decades, liberation movements relied on their revolutionary credentials to maintain political dominance. However, the 2024 elections exposed growing dissatisfaction with entrenched economic stagnation, widespread corruption, and high unemployment rates.
Namibia: The SWAPO party narrowly retained its majority, securing 52% of the vote—its lowest share since independence in 1990. The election of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first female president marked a significant milestone, but dwindling support signaled growing public impatience with governance shortcomings.
Botswana: The Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), in power for nearly 60 years, suffered a dramatic defeat, capturing only 42% of the vote. A coalition of opposition parties, united by frustrations over rising inequality and lacklustre economic growth, formed a new government.
South Africa: The African National Congress (ANC) faced its worst electoral outcome since the end of apartheid, securing only 48% of the vote. This forced the formation of a coalition government—a historic first in the country’s democratic era. Once synonymous with the liberation struggle, the ANC now faces growing scrutiny over its failure to address pressing economic challenges, including an unemployment rate exceeding 32%.
Mozambique: In Mozambique, the ruling FRELIMO party retained power but with a reduced majority of 58%, reflecting frustrations over corruption and slow economic progress. Opposition parties gained ground, particularly in urban areas where youth unemployment hovers around 30%. The country’s economic dependence on natural gas exports remains a contentious issue, with calls for diversification and investment in local industries growing louder.
The region’s transformation has been driven by its burgeoning youth population, which accounts for over 60% of Southern Africa’s electorate. Unlike their predecessors, younger voters prioritise performance over historical credentials.
“For young voters, promises tied to liberation struggles mean little compared to tangible results,” remarked Professor Nic Cheeseman from the University of Birmingham.
This shift has pushed political parties to focus on job creation, addressing the region’s youth unemployment crisis, which averages 34%, and tackling systemic corruption. Infrastructure development, particularly in underserved rural areas, has also become a key demand.
Southern Africa remains a bastion of democratic stability in a continent often marred by political unrest and military coups. The 2024 elections highlighted the region’s resilience while underscoring an electorate unwilling to tolerate stagnation.
Mozambique’s elections were particularly noteworthy for their high voter turnout of 78%, demonstrating the public’s determination to influence governance. Similarly, Namibia and South Africa recorded turnouts of 68% and 62%, respectively, despite declining trust in traditional political systems.
The 2024 elections marked the beginning of a new era in Southern African politics. Liberation-era credentials are no longer sufficient to secure power. Instead, voters are demanding results-driven leadership and sustainable progress.
As the region’s youth assert their voices, Southern Africa is positioned as a beacon of democratic evolution. Leaders now face increasing pressure to deliver, with the electorate focused on long-term stability, economic growth, and inclusive governance. These tectonic shifts signal a promising future, where accountability and performance take precedence over historical legacy.
