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Information on Governanance and Politics in South Africa

Governance and Politics


Constitution

The constitution provides for a hybrid unitary/federal state, governed by a central government and nine provincial governments. It entrenches the separation of powers, offers appropriate checks and balances and includes a far-reaching Bill of Rights. Socio-economic rights such as housing, health care, access to food and water, social security and basic education are also recognised.

Parliament comprises a 400-seat National Assembly and a 90-seat National Council of Provinces. (The Constitution also makes provision for continued recognition of traditional chiefs and customary law.) Parliament sits in Cape Town, but government ministries are all based in Pretoria because of a geographical compromise dating back to the Act of Union in 1910.

Political Developments

In the country's second general election, in 1999, the ANC won 66,36% of the national vote and 266 seats in Parliament - one short of a two-thirds majority. Legislation allowing parliamentarians to cross the floor gave the ANC enough seats for it to be able to amend the country's constitution unilaterally, should it so wish..

Foreign Relations

South Africa's foreign policy can be defined as non-aligned, with its primary focus on Africa. The country enjoys official relations with nations of all political and economic persuasions. Because South Africa's economy dwarfs the rest of the continent, it is expected to play the role of a regional power, but has been cautious in taking on military responsibilities outside its borders or exercising overt influence on regional issues, most notably in neighbouring Zimbabwe.

Land Reform

The slowness of the process has generated smouldering resentment among the landhungry at precisely the time when the consequences of hasty land-grabbing in neighbouring Zimbabwe is provoking ever more alarm. The recently-elected ANC president, Jacob Zuma, has called for quicker action.

National Security

National security is the responsibility of the South African Police Services (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Ministry for Intelligence.

[For more information purchase South Africa at a Glance]
 
 
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