As New South Africa Government Takes Shape, Undercurrent of Violence Simmers

Trouble is brewing in regions that support leftists as the ANC pledges a ‘move to the center’ and chooses white-led DA as main coalition partner.

President of the African National Congress Cyril Ramaphosa (C) celebrates with Paul Mashatile (L), his party deputy president, in South Africa on June 14, 2024. Rodger Bosch/AFP via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG—South Africa’s unity government was confirmed on June 14, when the country’s second-largest political party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), signed an agreement with the African National Congress (ANC).

In terms of the deal, the DA’s 87 members of parliament, plus others from a few smaller parties, joined the 159 ANC MPs to support a second term as president for ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa.