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Has South Africa become a one party state?

Has South Africa become a one party state?. What is a one party state?. A single-party state, one-party system or single-party system is a type of party system government in which a single political party forms the government and no other parties are permitted to run candidates for election.

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Has South Africa become a one party state?

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  1. Has South Africa become a one party state?

  2. What is a one party state? A single-party state, one-party system or single-party system is a type of party system government in which a single political party forms the government and no other parties are permitted to run candidates for election. The Workers’ Party of Korea is the ruling party of North Korea. Political opposition is banned and the media is controlled by the state.

  3. South Africa is not a one party state!

  4. Constitutional Government that promotes democracy • South Africa has a constitution in place (know aspects of it) that demands a democratic Government with specific structures in place. • What role does the constitution play in ensuring that one party cannot dominate? • Hint: Think about the commitment to political freedom.

  5. Many political parties represented in National Assembly • How many parties are represented in the National Assembly? • What is their share of the vote? • Why does this suggest that South Africa is not a one party state? Remember to EXPAND!

  6. Constitution guarantees many rights • Describe some of the rights and freedoms that citizens of South African can expect to receive under the Constitution and more specifically, the Bill of Rights. • Would you expect to see them in a democracy? Therefore, does it satisfy the question – “Is South Africa a multi-party state/democracy?”

  7. South Africa has free press • South Africa ranks 44th out of 168 countries in Reporters Without Borders' (RSF's) latest index of press freedom - down from 31st position in the 2005 index, but still well within the top 50 countries said to have "genuine press freedom". • Would you expect a completely ‘free press’ in a one party state? Why? • What role does the press play in a democracy and multi-party Government?

  8. Party List Electoral System The voting system offers choice and freedom to vote for a party that you feel will represent you. Is that necessarily the case in a one party state? Explain. Explain how this ensures that South Africa is not a one party system? How does a closed party list system work – roughly?

  9. Yet to adjust the Constitution • When have the ANC been in a position to alter the Constitution? • How would altering the constitution threaten real credible democracy in South Africa?

  10. Opposition parties are represented in the Cabinet • Peiter Mulder (Leader of FF+) is the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. • How does this go some way towards avoiding a one party state?

  11. The Role of Pressure Groups/Trade Unions The Tripartite Alliance is an agreement between The ANC, COSATU (Congress of South African Trade Unions) and SACP (South African Communist Party). Whilst the COSATU and SACP are not political parties, many of their members work within the ANC, therefore, there’s close bond. In August 2010, over 1 million COSATU members went on strike due to disputes over public pay. Would you expect to see Pressure Groups and Trade Unions in a country like North Korea? Why? What function do pressure groups play and why are they vital to a multi-party state?

  12. South Africa is a one party state!

  13. Dominance of ANC in National Assembly • How many seats do the ANC currently have? • What share of the vote did they poll? • Is this good for democracy in South Africa? Why? • Does this suggest that South Africa is, therefore, a one party state?

  14. ANC not happy with media opposition • The ANC have been accused of trying to muzzle the media by setting up a tribunal that investigates the print media. • Critics claim this is an attempt to restrict investigative reporting into corruption and Government mis-management. • Why is free press crucial to a multi-party state? Does this suggest that South Africa is heading towards a one party state?

  15. Maintains huge support • How many people voted for the ANC in the last election in comparison to other political parties? • Do they have credible political opposition? • In this context, present an argument that supports the claim that South Africa is a one party state.

  16. ANC Confidence Jacob Zuma claimed that the ANC will remain in power “until Jesus comes back”. (2009) What does that suggest about the way the ANC view political opponents? Is Zuma’s assumption fair? Why?

  17. Effectiveness of Opposition Parties • Parties know they are seriously restricted in terms of how they can provide serious opposition to the ANC. • South African opposition parties the Democratic Alliance, the Independent Democrats and COPE held an historic conference (March 2010) to discuss building a super-opposition against the ANC. • Why is an effective opposition important within a democracy? Can South Africa, therefore, claim to have an effective multi-party democracy in this context?

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