South Africans will now be heard in Parliament - Lindiwe Mazibuko

Bongani Bingwa interviews Lindiwe Mazibuko, CEO of Futurelect.

Listen below.

The countdown begins to establish South Africa's next government.

Parliamentarians have a maximum of two weeks before parties gather to unveil new members and elect a president for the incoming administration.

This follows the defeat of the ANC, ending its 30-year reign of absolute dominance over South Africa's political landscape.

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Mazibuko asserts that, for three decades, parliament has been perceived more as an arena for entertainment rather than meaningful debate and liberation.

This perception has been validated in many cases, with the ruling party making decisions without full parliamentary involvement.

However, she notes a significant shift where, for the first time, the public will witness the extent to which parliament governs the country.

According to Mazibuko, there will be a learning curve for political parties to comprehend the government's hierarchy.

While she anticipates senior leaders vying for cabinet posts and executive positions, she forewarns that the ANC will face a harsh reality when it realises that a 40% majority no longer guarantees passage of its proposals.

"Nothing can get done in the executive. The executive has no power unless it has got the votes of its colleagues as MPs in parliament."

- Lindiwe Mazibuko, CEO – Futurelect

She emphasises the necessity for parties to adapt to negotiation tactics within parliament and coalition agreements.

She stresses the importance of maturity and, above all, ensuring that citizens' voices are heard, as the audience extends beyond the confines of a single majority party.

"Parliament is now going to be a place where we get to be heard as well."

- Lindiwe Mazibuko, CEO – Futurelect

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.