In the lead-up to South Africa’s 2024 national elections, the online conversation is dominated by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), as reported by the Centre for Analytics and Behavioural Change. The report analyzed discussions from March 18 to April 1, 2024, revealing intriguing insights into the political landscape.
The EFF sparked discussions by repositioning Naledi Chirwa from 40 to 200 on the party’s MP list. This move came after Chirwa missed the Budget speech in Parliament due to a family emergency, resulting in a penalty and public apology. Party leader Julius Malema warned of consequences for members skipping important votes, leading to a flurry of online debates.
On the other hand, the MK Party faced a court challenge from the African National Congress (ANC) seeking to deregister them. The High Court dismissed the case, allowing the MK Party to continue participating in the elections. The lead-up to the case was marred by allegations of bias, but post-judgment discussions praised the judiciary’s decision.
Former president Jacob Zuma’s car accident also stirred online conversations, with some alleging foreign interference based on a TikTok video speculating about U.S. involvement in coups in BRICS nations, including South Africa. The video suggested voting for the EFF and MK Party as a defense against Western influence.
The online buzz around the South African elections generated over 320,000 mentions, with hashtags like #VoteEFF2024 and #VoteMK2024 mobilizing support for the respective parties. Additionally, discussions about Vladimir Putin’s re-election in Russia and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) faced criticism for rule implementation.
Disinformation spread online, with accusations of the ANC’s involvement in Zuma’s car accident and claims of staged incidents for political gain. These unsubstantiated allegations highlight the prevalence of misinformation in the digital sphere.
Overall, the report provides a comprehensive overview of the political landscape leading up to the 2024 national elections in South Africa, offering valuable insights into the online discourse and key players shaping the narrative.
