From absolute rule to a grand coalition of eleven

Countries & Cities · Published 14 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: For decades, one party dominated South Africa's National Assembly. But in 2024, that era ended as the African National Congress lost its majority for the first time since apartheid. The result was a seismic shift toward a massive multi-party governing coalition.

The National Assembly is the directly elected house of South Africa's Parliament, consisting of 400 Members of Parliament (MPs). Since the country's first non-racial election in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) has been the dominant force. In that inaugural year, they won 252 seats. By the 2004 election, the ANC secured a two-thirds majority, granting them the power to unilaterally amend the constitution—a position they held until 2009.

The mechanics of representation are complex. Closed lists and proportional representation determine how seats are distributed. Half of the 400 seats are elected from national lists, while the other half come from regional lists across nine provinces. The Independent Electoral Commission determines provincial seat distribution based on population. This system ensures that even smaller parties can gain a foothold, though major players like the Democratic Alliance (DA) often navigate these lists to maximize their influence.

A historic turning point occurred in the 2024 general election held on May 29. The ANC's seat count plummeted to 159, largely due to the emergence of the MK Party, which took 58 seats. This loss of majority triggered the formation of a 'Government of National Unity' (GNU). This grand coalition involves eleven parties holding a supermajority of 288 seats. While individual MPs earn significant salaries—with some reaching over R3 million annually—the shift marks a move from single-party dominance to a complex, multi-party power-sharing model.

The physical seat of power has also faced challenges; the main chamber was destroyed by fire in January 2022. Sittings currently take place in the old Good Hope Chamber within the parliamentary precincts in Cape Town.

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