ELECTION UPDATE 2004

number 9 ·17 May 2004 editorial top position in Parliament this system in place whereby namely, the Speaker of the every third person on the party In the Election Updates we House, has been occupied by a list is a woman. Second, it is have discussed various aspects woman; first by Dr Frene well and that the ruling of the South African election Ginwala and now followed by ANC has put in place a 2004, in some detail. The Mrs Baleka Mbete-Kgositsile, voluntary quota system. previous issues of this bulletin both of whom are political However, this situation could have carried vital information heavyweights from the ANC be further improved by covering the electoral process stable. introducing a mandatory prior to, during as well as the legislated quota system to immediate aftermath of the Furthermore, following the which all the parties have to polling phase of the election. 2004 election, the abide and adhere to with clear What we have not yet done in representation of women in the sanctions stipulated for non- sufficient detail is to provide South Africa cabinet stands at compliance. some information and analysis an impressive 41.2 percent, Khabele Matlosa of the gender dimensions of the only 8.8 percent shy of the 50% entire electoral process and its mark (i.e. equal gender contents outcome. representation which is the Editorial 1 ultimate goal of the SADC National Perspectives This ninth issues of Election Declaration). It is also Women and the 2004 Election 2 Update 2004 aims precisely to interesting to note that of the address this missing link in our Provincial Roundup nine provincial Premiers, four Gauteng discussion thus far. The focus are women (about 50% women Gender and Elections of our discussion aiming to representation. in Gauteng 4 address this dimension of the KZN 2004 election is important for What should be noted, Gender Issues in purposes of unravelling gender however, is that despite this KwaZulu-Natal 6 Elected by the Women, but aspects of political participation improvement in women’s in South Africa. It is worth Government of, and for, political participation and the Men 8 noting that South Africa is one representation in key organs of of the signatories to the 1997 the state, only the ruling ANC The Gender Gap after a Decade of SADC Declaration on Gender has a voluntary quota system Democracy 11 and Development which that allows for gender Western Cape commits member states to inclusivity. None of the other Gender and Elections 14 equal gender representation in Eastern Cape opposition parties have any Women and the Elections in the all key organs of the state and institutionalised mechanism for Eastern Cape 17 at least 30% representation of gender equality or balance. Northern Cape women in these institutions by (En)gendering the Elections 20 the year 2005. It is interesting Two major problems present Mpumalanga to note that South Africa has themselves here. First, it is Gender Representation in the 2004 already surpassed the 30% imperative that all parties, both Elections 22 Previous Issue Contents 25 target in terms of women’s ruling and opposition, adopt representation in Parliament. and adhere to deliberate policy EISA Editorial Team From 27.7% in 1994 to 30% in and institutional mechanisms Jackie Kalley, Khabele Matlosa, 1999, the representation of that promote women’s Denis Kadima women in Parliament has participation and representation soared to 32.8% following the in the political system. So far published with the assistance of 2004 election. Since 1994, the only the ruling party has put OSF-SA and NORAD Election update 2004 south africa number 9

NATIONAL PERSPECTIVES

WOMEN AND THE behaviour. A gender gap 82% of the total number of exists when a significant seats held by women. In total 2004 ELECTION larger number of women there are 131 women in than men vote for a certain Parliament in contrast to the Professor Amanda Gouws party or on grounds of 119 elected in the 1999 University of Stellenbosch certain issues. There are election. Women, therefore, many issues that could constitute 32.8% of the After the 2004 elections, contribute to a gender gap National Assembly, mostly South Africa now ranks such as the fact that women due to the increase in the eleventh in the world with die in larger numbers from ANC’s share of the vote and regard to the number of HIV/AIDS than men, the its commitment to a one women in Parliament by impact of unemployment on third gender quota. In this having women in 131 seats. women as primary election the ANC put women The relatively high number caregivers, basic needs in “electable” positions as of women in Parliament can issues such as housing, nearly every third name on be attributed to the water, electricity and the national candidate’s list proportional list electoral education and violence was that of a woman. The system and the acceptance of against women. The lack of 50/50 campaign spearheaded a one third voluntary quota a gender gap can probably be by the Gender Advocacy by the governing party, the attributed to a lack of Campaign (GAP) has ANC. The benefit of a alternatives among the demanded that 50% women proportional list system is different parties. During the be elected to Parliament by that it ensures that women 2004 election most parties 2005 in order to obtain parity and small parties have access dealt with the same issues with men. Even though the to representation. However, and most of them did it in a campaign raised what really makes the gender blind fashion. consciousness about difference in South Africa is women’s representation and the ANC’s quota. Without While the ANC is the party helped in getting the the ANC’s quota there would with the best track record for women's vote out, it did not have been far fewer women delivering on gender issues, succeed in getting 50% in Parliament. None of the no party really attempted to women in Parliament opposition parties have mobilise the women’s vote, because a zebra list of every accepted a quota for even though women have the second name on the list, a women’s representation. power to swing an election. women’s name, was not Voters are not mobilised by used. Women have become quite a their gender identities. Racial significant constituency with and class identities and their The opposition parties 1 982 876 more women than intersection with gender and managed to get a few more men having registered to party loyalty play a more women into Parliament. The vote. This means that important role when it comes DA has 10 out of 50 women, probably more women than to voting behaviour in South the IFP 6 out of 28, the men have voted. Research Africa. UDM 3 out of 9, the ID 2 out on previous election results of 7, the NNP 1 out of 7, the has, however, shown no With a 69.68% of the vote ACDP 1 out of 6, the UCDP significant gender gap going to the ANC it attained 1 out of 3, the MF 1 out of 2 between men and women 279 of the seats with 107 are and the FF+, AZAPO and when it comes to voting filled by women. This is the PAC 0. In the bigger

2 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 opposition parties, women the ANC’s “contract with the accept a quota. With the may not be placed people”. Putting women in problem of accountability in strategically on the list. these important portfolios the PR system the electoral Women in cabinet are also expresses his faith in system may be changed to a approaching the 50% mark their ability to deliver. Many mixed PR and district system with 41.2% ministers and of the women ministers have as recommended by the Van deputy-ministers. With 4 a strong gender Zyl Slabbert Task Team. premiers out of 9, women consciousness and may The number of women in make up 44.5% of the contribute to monitoring the Parliament will then decline. premiers. President Mbeki gender sensitivity of the Evidence of this already has shown the ANC’s policies they have to exists on a local level where commitment to gender implement. A relationship more women are elected equality by appointing 10 between women in from the PR lists rather than women ministers and 12 Parliament and the National in the wards. deputy-ministers. Women Machinery for Women is now fill some of the most very important to ensure the The transformation of the powerful ministries in necessary monitoring work electoral system should be government such as Justice on gender issues. In this effected with the gender (Bridgette Mabandla), regard, the Joint Standing dimension in mind. Failure Foreign Affairs (Nkosazana Committee on the Quality of to do so will result in the Zuma) and Education Live and the Status of gains South Africa has made (). ). These Women (JSQLSW) has done on the representation of portfolios are not the “soft excellent work in the past. women in government ministries” usually assigned Unfortunately government possibly being being lost. to women. Other ministries has lost two of its gender headed by women are stalwarts, in the persons of Agriculture and Land the previous speaker, Frene (), Housing Ginwala, and the Chair of (), Home JSQLSW, Pregs Govender. Affairs (Nosivivwe Mapisa- The loss of their experience Nqakula), Health (Manto is a loss to all women in Tshabalala-Msimang), South Africa. Minerals and Energy (Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka), The importance of the Public Service (Geraldine ANC’s quota system cannot Fraser-Moleketi), Water and be underestimated in Forestry (Buyi Sonjica), and delivering a large number of Communications (Ivy women to Parliament. Yet, Matsepe-Cassaburri). While this is a voluntary quota. the social portfolios such as The danger of voluntary health and housing are also quotas is that if a party’s run by women, all these support declines, the number portfolios together form the of women also declines, or if key to social transformation the electoral system changes in South Africa. women may lose out. A legislated quota would be The President made it clear more effective in ensuring that he needs ministers who that women remain in can deliver on policies that government. It will also will form the cornerstone of force opposition parties to

3 Election update 2004 south africa number 9

PROVINCIAL ROUNDUP

GAUTENG

Gender and challenge in the Gauteng followed by Kwazulu-Natal Legislature. with 21. As it stands, Elections in Gauteng has outperformed Gauteng Women Representation in all the provinces in terms of the Gauteng Legislature women representation in the Sydney Letsholo legislature. Given this Electoral Institute of Women empowerment encouraging vote of Southern Africa seemed to have been a confidence in women, it is priority among the different rather disturbing though to Introduction political parties in the note that the lack of visibility province. Below is table that of nominated women during The 2004 election has come compares the general and gone. The representation the pre-election period, representation of women in especially during the of parties in both national the Gauteng Legislature in and provincial parliaments campaign trail as women the period 1994 to 2004. were not present. Since has also been established in Election % political parties use party accordance with the Seats Women performance of each party in Date Women lists to nominate candidates - 1994 86 25 29 in most cases those who the election. However, the 1999 73 25 34.2 representation of women has 2004 73 31 42.4 showed loyalty and worked attracted attention in order to http://www.genderlinks.org.za/gele hard for the party during ascertain how South Africa ctions campaigns - get nominated has performed to conform for position either in with the SADC requirement The ruling party, the African government or in Parliament. that there should be at least National Congress (ANC) The impression one gets 30 % of women represented topped the chart as far as from the increase of women in parliaments and other women representation in the in Parliament whilst the pre- government structures. legislature is concerned. The election period revealed Equally important to note, is ANC has 22 women almost a total absence of that the voters roll for the representatives, followed by women, is that women were 2004 elections totalled 20.6 the Democratic Alliance sidelined at that stage. This million eligible voters. This with 5. Other parties with argument could also be reveals that 54.8% were women representation are wrong considering that female voters with only the women were probably 45,2%, male. It is this (IFP) with 2; and the African working behind the scene in particular aspect of the South Christian Democratic Party other capacities. It would be African society that gave (ACDP) and the United advisable, however, for President Thabo Mbeki solid Democratic Movement parties to create more space material for his (UDM) have one each. for them to be visible during pronouncement during his campaigns as most of the inaugural speech: we cannot Gauteng also has performed women currently in the have democracy without a well in comparison to the Gauteng Legislature are fair representation of women other provinces. relatively unknown. in government institutions. It is therefore interesting to see In the table below, Gauteng The above mentioned how parties lived up to that ranks first with 31 women, recommendation does not in

4 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 any way detract from the provincial Parliament is commendable efforts in concerned considering that making gender balance a women represent the priority in the province. majority of the South Nationally, we have also African population. seen a large proportion of women occupying senior and References key government posts. President Thabo Mbeki’s Media Monitoring Project, 2004. “Monitoring Gender and the cabinet comprises twenty Elections, 29th April two women (Ministers and Deputy Ministers) and http://www.genderlinks.org.za/gele twenty seven men (Ministers ctions and Deputy Ministers). Political commentators rightfully assert, however, that more still needs to be done. With the local government elections scheduled for 2005, it is at this level that efforts need to be concentrated on improving the representation women at the ward level.

Province 2004 +/- Seats Women % Women Gauteng 73 31 42.4 8.2 Source:http//:www.genderlinks.org. za/gelections

Conclusion

Following the 2004 elections, half of the parliamentarians in the Gauteng Legislature are women. We observed an increase of 12% from 1999. Gauteng also leads in this regard in comparison with the other provinces. This is a significant improvement and needs to be applauded. Through the efforts of their respective political parties, women are now more visible in Gauteng’s political arena.

However, there is still more to be done in as far as women representation in the

5 Election update 2004 south africa number 9

Kwazulu-Natal

GENDER ISSUES provincially than there are making strides in balancing men. gender representation.2 IN KWAZULU- The African National NATAL Congress (ANC) is the only Representation of women in political party in South the legislatures of the various Shauna Mottiar Africa with a quota for provinces is outlined in Independent Political Analyst women. After it secured a Table 2 below. For the most higher majority of the vote in part it seems that gender A central challenge for the 2004 elections than it had proportionality is becoming emerging democracies is the in 1999 and 1994, the ANC consolidated with all the achievement of gender has increased its number of provinces showing a gradual equality. Election periods are women in Parliament. This is rise in the number of women generally illustrative of the a trend that has been in the provincial legislatures. levels of gender equality continuous since 1994 – It is interesting to note that reached by a democracy as opposition parties on the the two provinces not they highlight the amount of other hand have previously ruled by the ANC women who participate in proportionally decreased the show certain unique trends in elections as opposed to men amount of female the representation of women. as well as the number of representation they have in Former IFP stronghold women who formally Parliament as they secured KwaZulu-Natal doubled its assume political roles as a lower percentages of the vote number of women in the result of the election. in 1999 and in 2004 legislature after the 1999 respectively. The Inkatha election. After the 2004 Of the 20,674,926 registered Freedom Party (IFP) is a election however the number voters in South Africa case in point. In the 1994 of women in the legislature 11,334,228 were women – elections it secured 43 seats has remained the same. The this effectively means that in Parliament and allocated Western Cape – former the amount of women 10 to women. In the 1999 DA/NNP stronghold held the registered to vote in the 2004 elections it secured 33 seats same amount of women in elections outnumbered the in Parliament, 9 of which the legislature in 1999 as it men. This trend prevailed at were filled by women. In the did in 1994 but increased a provincial level with 2004 elections the IFP slightly in 2004 regards to KwaZulu-Natal secured 28 seats in where out of 3,819,864 Parliament and only 5 are With the IFP’s loss of registered voters, 2,176,061 filled by women. Table 1 KwaZulu-Natal, its future as were women.1 Clearly, South below illustrates that this a political force in South African women seem to be trend has prevailed for the Africa has come into more politically motivated New National Party (NNP) question – consequently than South African men. but not for the Democratic gender issues have not been Despite this however there Alliance (DA) or the United uppermost on the party’s are fewer women in political Democratic Movement priority list. This can be seen positions both nationally and (UDM). Notwithstanding the with its filling its quota of fact that neither the DA nor MEC positions with men. the UDM have quotas for the representation of women in 1 Statistics from Joseph Fataar - 2 Lowe Morna, C, “The Beginning Communications Officer their parties, they are both of Complacency: Gender and the KwaZulu-Natal Independent 2004 Elections,” Gender Links Electoral Commission (IEC) Website

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SA- Representation of women in 1994 1999 2004 Parliament 1994 to 2004 PARTY Total Women % women Total Women % women Total Women % women ANC 252 90 35.7 266 95 35.7 279 104 37 DP/DA 7 1 14 38 6 15.7 50 13 26 IFP 43 10 23 33 9 27.2 28 5 18.5 NP/NNP 82 9 10 28 4 14.2 7 0 0 UDM 14 1 7 9 4 44.4 ACDP 2 0 0 6 2 33 6 2 33 FF 3 0 0 4 0 0 UCDP 3 1 33 3 0 0 PAC 5 1 20 3 0 0 3 0 0 Other 5 2 40 4 0 0 TOTAL 400 111 27.7 400 120 30 400 131 32.75 Source: Gender Links

Table 2: Women in Provincial Legislatures in SA 1994 1999 2004 +/- Seats W %W Seats W %W Seats W %W KZN 812 11 13.6 80 21 26.2 80 21 26.2 0 Source: Gender Links

The uncertainty surrounding Buthelezi had decided to quit the IFP’s continued role in the IFP because the election KwaZulu-Natal came to an results were, in his opinion, a end in the first week of May vote of no confidence to his when the IFP finally agreed leadership. The article claims to accept the ANC’s offer of that “an emotional Buthelezi three cabinet posts. The three is reported to have cried as portfolios are to be filled by he lashed out at his Nkosi Ngubane for Social lieutenants saying they had Welfare and Population deceived him by not telling Development, Narend Singh him the truth about people’s for Culture and Tourism and feelings and the need for a Blessed Gwala for Public change in leadership.” The Works. In the interim, the IFP dismissed the article party has had to stave off labelling it, “fictitious and rumours that Mangosuthu completely without any Buthelezi is to step down as foundation”.3 leader of the IFP following the party’s loss of KwaZulu- Natal to the ANC. According to an article in the City Press citing sources within the IFP, 3 Natal Witness, May 6 2004

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Elected by the 19.2% of all women race and class are more registered in 2004 and 10.5% important? Or is it that women, but of all voters nationally. We women’s issues do not government of, are talking about a lot of matter to men and men are and for, the men voters. more important? Are women silent or silenced? Dr Laurence Piper However, despite this, University of KwaZulu- gender issues and women’s Gender and Government Natal, Pietermaritzburg issues more specifically were Prior to 2004 campus conspicuous by their absence in election 2004. Indeed, As revealed by a cursory In his famous Gettysburg despite being the majority, glance at the KZN Hansard, address of 1863, American and a good majority of gender politics, usually President Abraham Lincoln registered voters, women understood as women’s spoke of defending barely impacted on KZN issues, featured infrequently ‘government of the people, politics prior to 2004. In on the agenda of the by the people and for the many ways KZN is not provincial Parliament prior people’. This phrase has peculiar. All provinces, and to 2004. Further, if and when come to represent the South Africa as a whole, such issues did arise, they meaning of democracy for have more women than men were often symbolic rather many. Election 2004 hints and more registered female than substantive. Examples that we may have a peculiar than male and yet women include vague commitments version of this in KZN: a leaders and women’s issues to increasing the government of the men and barely dented the national representation of women in for the men, but elected by consciousness during Parliament or various the women. election 2004. The clearest functions in honour of testimony to this was the women’s day. According to According to census 2001 media’s pleasant surprise at ACDP MPP Joanne Downs, there are 5,016,925 women Mbeki’s appointment of only once in ten years did the in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to women to cabinet. KZN legislature schedule a some 4,409,091 men. This is week long sitting around a difference of more than So stark was the contrast women. half a million. In percentage between the volumes of terms this means that women women voters and the There were various comprise 53.22% of the silence on gender in election structures in the KZN province’s population to 2004 that one is tempted to government dedicated to 46.78% of men. In election conclude that gender is not women. These included the 2004 this female dominance an issue in KZN politics. But Office for the Status of was even more pronounced can this really be so? In KZN Women, based in the as proportionately more women bear the brunt of Premier’s Office. However, women than men registered. HIV/AIDS, sexual assault, according to Downs it Thus some 2,176,061 poverty, unemployment, suffered from benign women registered, under-education, not to neglect, especially a lack of representing 56.97% of mention child-rearing. These resources. voters compared to claims are born out by Similarly, female 1,643,600 men or 43.03%. census data and research and parliamentarians formed a This number of female acknowledged by political women’s caucus which voters is the second highest parties. Why then the pulled together MPP’s from of all the provinces after silence? Is it that women feel various parties under the Gauteng and represents that other issues related to leadership of Peggy

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Mkondeni of the ANC, fighting for these things then In its national manifesto, the Loretta Ngcobo of the IFP. we could have probably IFP did not mention women While Parliament supplied changed things, but they other than as mothers or in minute-takers and paid for haven’t. In general there was the context of HIV/AIDS, attendance at these meetings, a lot of lip-service to although the cover featured it did not recognise the women’s issues by the Buthelezi in protective, women’s caucus an official provincial government but grandfatherly pose behind a Parliamentary Committee very little was done. Maybe multi-racial group of women. and thus the chair was not that will change now.’ The IFP’s ‘Growth and paid and the reports not Development Plan for KZN’ reviewed by the legislature. Perhaps they will. Although did talk more about According to Downs this if campaigning for election empowering women as one was because it would have 2004 was anything to go the of seven priorities of the given the ANC one more prospects are not that bright. Office of the Premier. committee chair than the IFP Perhaps the ANC did the and this was intolerable to Gender and the 2004 best job of all in its Mtshali. Further, after the Campaign manifesto, referring to non- floor-crossing in early 1993 sexism as a principle and other issues came to As noted above, the only ‘mainstreaming’ women into dominate the KZN politics, noise about gender issues in the many issues it identified. pushing the women’s caucus election 2004 was a In this respect Women’sNet off the agenda. deafening silence. The major gave the ANC the highest parties said very little about grade of all parties, a B+. In general, Downs was not gender. The only party to present terribly impressed with the women leadership in its operation of the caucus. ‘It Run pretty much as a posters were Patricia De discusses the Beijing national campaign, the DA’s Lille’s Independent documents and those kind of manifesto, pamphlets and Democrats. things, lots of very general posters in KZN contained things… It also raised the very little on women’s Over and above this, almost issue of the representation of issues. According to KZN nothing was done by women in Parliament’, she DA organiser Penny Tainton, political parties in KZN. An added, ‘on the assumption ‘we kept meaning to raise attempt by a journalist that having more women gender issues but ran out of lecturer at the Durban Tech would change the issues time – but none of the parties to organise a debate on discussed’. raised it here really’. The one women’s issues elicited a way that gender issues did very poor response, with Downs seemed sceptical of emerge for the DA was in only one party representative this view, pointing to what their phone canvassing attending. Not that there she saw as the failure of where many women, but were no opportunities to existing women MPPs to especially Indian women (up raise gender issues. For grapple with specific issues to 50% according to one instance in May 2003, the facing women in KZN. ‘I’ve source), would indicate that IEC nationally organised a long been concerned about political issues were left to ‘take a girl to work day’ to the rape of women and their husbands. Typical do something practical to children in this province,’ responses were, ‘I don’t encourage gender equality. she added, ‘and tried for know who I’m voting for I In January 2004, the ANC years to get protocols for haven’t discussed it with my Women’s League in KZN treatment to be improved. If husband’, or ‘phone back held its second provincial the committee had been when my husband’ is home’. congress, failing to attract

9 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 any media attention. Closer Notably the (likely) better of the great paradoxes of to the elections, in March, representation of women in KZN, and I suspect national, three commissioners on the powerful positions is not due politics that the supporters of Commission for Gender to more women being in the the more patriarchal parties Equality appeared on the provincial Parliament. like the ACDP but especially ANC lists prompting This Despite the ANC doing the IFP are mostly women; Day newspaper to call for better in 2004, the number of and in far greater proportion their resignation. Again this women MPPs remains the than for the ‘non-sexist’ failed to elicit a response same as before – at around ANC. This inverted from parties in KZN. Lastly, 20 or 25% of the legislature. relationship between gender a survey of articles on Lastly, Joanne Downs ideology and women’s election violence in KZN believes it likely that the actions reminds us of the failed to find any reference women’s caucus will secure uncomfortable paradox of to the impact on women, recognition under the new election 2004: the deafening leading the researcher to regime, not least as the ANC silence on the issues of the comment suggested that ‘the needs smaller parties to majority. Until now KZN region’s women species are govern. has had government of men, long extinct’ (Magwaza for men, but elected by 2004). For its part the IFP has shed women. Time will tell most of its women MPs, whether this will change. Women and KZN most of whom were junior Government after 2004 and some of whom have since left for the ANC. Indeed it is probably the Despite their parties often party with the least senior shabby record during the female leadership in KZN. election most party Women leaders in the DA representatives felt that have begun to raise gender women’s issues would play issues, beginning with the more of a role in future KZN recent Federal Council politics. Key here is the meeting of the DA in Cape ANC Premier who, it is Town. DA Durban city believed, will follow the councillor Lynn Ploes van national lead and make Amstel clearly believes that tangible moves towards the main obstacle to gender gender transformation. At transformation is political the moment there is one (and will: ‘if the city put half the the first) women executive energy of racial issues into committee member in KZN, gender then we’d have a Ina Cronje from the ANC. transformed council. As it is However the Premier’s council is now pretty close to Office is bullish that more of Durban’s racial demography this sort of thing will follow but we’ve made almost no Ndebele’s State of the progress with gender Province Address on 25 transformation’. May. It also seems likely that the chair of While there is more committees and the optimism about the women chair of SCOPA will be and government after a woman. election 2004 it remains one

10 Election update 2004 south africa number 9

Free State

THE GENDER level in the province. These elections, the Free State issues will serve as a guide experienced the lowest GAP AFTER A to evaluating the progress gender representivity in the DECADE OF made in terms of gender Provincial Legislature when DEMOCRACY representation in the Free compared to other State. provinces.In order to assess Angelique Harsant and the Free State’s performance Willem Ellis Current Status of Gender in terms of gender University of the Free State Representivity representivity it is important to examine all the stages of Introduction Upon reflection over the past the electoral process such as decade of democracy in voter registration, The majority of the world’s South Africa there are candidates’ lists, population will be going to definite signs of progressive campaigning, the polling stations in 2004. leadership with regards to parliamentarian Five elections are scheduled gender equality. This representivity and the effect to take place in 2004 in the progressive leadership is on women at grassroots level Southern African projected on a regional, in the Free State Development Community, national and local level. On a i.e. South Africa, Malawi, regional level, female Voter Registration Botswana, Namibia, and representivity is averaged at Mozambique. As South 19,4% which is higher than As was the case with the Africa has just held the third the 15,4% global average. national voters roll, the democratic election, it is After the 2004 elections majority of the voters time for reflection as the South Africa improved its registered in the Free State global ranking from 15th to were women, with 700 000 country is celebrating a th st decade of freedom, liberty 11 position, obtained 1 women as opposed to 600 and human rights. There position in SADC’s ranking 000 men registered for the were 11,334,028 women and list based on women in 2004 elections. The majority 9,340,898 men registered for Parliament and increased the of the presiding officers, the 2004 election in South national and provincial voting officers and counting Africa. Due to the fact that female representivity by one- officers employed by the the majority of registered third. Provincially there has IEC were women voters in South Africa are been an overall increase in women and that the country the last decade of gender Campaigning representivity from 24% in is constitutionally committed 4 to ensuring gender equality it 1994 to 32.3% in 2004 South Africa has committed is important to reflect on itself to gender equity by gender voting as an integral The table below illustrates signing the Gender and part of the voting process. In the evolution of gender Development Declaration in order to assess the gender representivity over the last 1997, initiated by SADC, voting in the Free State, the decade of women in which pledged to obtain 30% following issues will receive provincial legislatures in of women representivity attention in this regard i.e., South Africa. The table with regards to political voter registration, indicates that in the 2004 decision-making by 2004 candidates’ lists, women and through the national representation in Parliament campaign aimed at achieving 4 Robinson, 2004:7 and Lowe- a 50-50 female and women at grassroots Morna 2004: Gender Links

11 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 representivity. Interestingly, campaigning strategies but equity on the candidates’ this has not received priority seemed to play a role in lists. in political manifestos or striving for greater gender

Women in Provincial Legislatures in SA 1994 1999 2004 Seats W % Seats W % Seat W % W W s W Free 30 7 23.3 30 7 23.3 30 8 26 State Source: Women in Provincial Legislatures in South Africa (Lowe-Morna, 2004:Gender Links)

Candidates Lists

The following table represents the gender representivity of women on the candidate’s lists of political parties and compares the 1999 elections to that of 2004.

Party % % Women Women on lists on lists 1999 2004 ACDP N/S 31.8 ANC 35 35.4 AZAPO N/S 37 DP/DA 20 31.59 ID 30.33 IFP 22 31.82 NP/NNP 12-15 25.21 PAC N/S 33.64 UDF N/S 24.94 FF+ 16 23.39 Gender representation on party lists (Women’s Net 2004)

Despite the tremendous even lower than KZN or the 2004 elections have increase in gender Western Cape. However, the continued the tradition of a representation on the 8 women out of 30 members female premiership in the candidates’ lists of all the of the Provincial legislature province. parties in the 2004 elections, are members of the ANC. is the third female premier to some concerns are evident. The opposition parties in the lead the province. Firstly, 79 % of women in Free State i.e., DA with 3 Parliament come from within seats, the ACDP with 1 seat Two out of the ten MEC the ranks of the ANC and and the positions were allocated to since the ANC achieved a with 1 seat, all failed to fill women. The key portfolio of majority there has been a these positions with a female Education was given to general increase in female candidate. Ouma Tsopo. She has served representativity in 2004. on the council since 1994 However, interestingly Parliamentarian and has previously held enough the Free State, where Representivity positions in local the ANC achieved 82% of government and housing, the vote, is ranked the lowest The Free State may have the welfare, arts and culture and in gender representivity in lowest gender representation health. Another key portfolio the country at 26%, which is of all the provinces but the i.e. Social Development,

12 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 previously a position held by by promoting gender the rural areas. In a press the premier herself, was equality in the province.6 release, she indicated that the given to Patricia Dlungwana, answer lay with the a librarian from Qwa Qwa Women at Grassroots Provincial Government and a member of the Level promoting service delivery at Provincial Legislature5 local government level.7 Marshoff served under the Marshoff, as a single mother, Interestingly Pat Dlungwana, previous premier of the Free can identify with the her newly appointed MEC State, , since struggles faced by women. for Social Development, June 2001 as MEC of Social She has singled out the originally comes from the Development. Marshoff’s plight of woman in rural Thabo-Mofutsanyana district political career dates to 1994 areas and she has assured in Qwa Qwa and has a clear when she became a member them of the support of the understanding of the needs of the National Assembly. Free State Provincial of the people and more Her expertise became Government. In her post as specifically the women in evident during her service on MEC of social development that area. various committees in she personally experienced Parliament as well as the the plight of a woman who Conclusion period during which she suffers deprivation due to served as chairperson of both severe poverty. The Free State is one of the the RDP portfolio committee provinces, where the ANC as well as the sub-committee For Marshoff, the Free State received 82,5% of the votes, on health finance. These has specific problems in but has the lowest female posts as well as that of MEC, regard to gender equality and representivity when provided ample opportunity she is determined to build on compared with the national for her to develop skills the work already done by the statistics. Even though which would equip her in her previous premiers, Ms parties, especially new role as premier elect of Winkie Direko and Dr. Ivy opposition parties, have the Free State. She is also a Matsepe-Cassabbury. For increased the gender founder member of the her, the greatest work lies in representivity on the National Education Health the area of unemployment. candidate’s lists the concern and Allied Workers Union in In this area she speaks of is the strategic placement of the Free State. Francis extended programmes of these women on the lists. Beatrice Marshoff has given public works from which Opposition parties in the her pledge to fight HIV- employment opportunities Free State, due to the small AIDS, poverty and will emerge. Key focus areas numbers of representatives unemployment in the will shift to the development in the provincial legislature, province. She has also come of Thabo-Mofutsanyana have failed to move beyond out strongly in favour of (Eastern Free State) and the lists to actual gender equality. The premier Xhariep (Southern Free parliamentarian is supported in this regard by State) where poverty is representivity. It is also a influential women in the reaching chronic concern among some province such as Nontsokolo proportions. The question is sectors in the Free State that Mohapi, mayor of the how she intends to alleviate the premier was placed 23rd Motheo District in the Free the chronic poverty, on the provincial candidates State, who has made a especially among women in list and it still remains to be significant contribution in the empowerment of women 6City Press, 2004, p.10; Pretorius, 2004, p. 2; Coetzee, 2004, p.:2 and Volksblad, 200, p. 5 7 Pretorius, 2004, p.2 and Coetzee, 5 Pretorius, 2004, p.1 2004, p.2).

13 Election update 2004 south africa number 9

seen what degree of support References Pretorius, L. 2004. Beter lewe wag she will receive. op armes- premier. Volksblad 27 City Press. 2004. New faces in April: p2.

The Free State Province may Politics. SA’s new Premiers. 25 April: p10. Pretorius, L. 2004. Marshoff se be listed as the province with span vol nuwe gesigte. Volksblad 4 the lowest female Coetzee, G. 2004. VS- May: p1. representation when wetgewerlede inhuldiging. compared the other eight Opposisie beloof samewerking en Robinson, V. 2004. History could provinces but there is no opbouende kritiek. Volksblad 25 become herstory in the halls of April: p2. power. Mail and Guardian. doubt that the premier, her February 13 to 19:p7 executive, and the people of Coetzee, G. 2004. Sy is oorgehaal the Free State have the vir taak. Volksblad 27 April: p2. Volksblad. 2004. Tien Jaar van political will and Lowe-Morna, C. 2004. Gender Demokrasie. 30 April: p5 commitment to address the Links. www.genderlinks.org.za/gelections plight of women in the /pressrelease.asp?nid=7 province.

Western Cape

GENDER AND Development. This document and gender mainstreaming committed Heads of State to objectives worth striving ELECTIONS “ensuring the equal for? How does South Africa How Far from representation of women and measure up to the Parity? men in the decision making recommended quota, and of member states and SADC how is the Western Cape Dr. Cheryl Hendricks structures at all levels, and performing? Centre for Conflict the achievement of at least a Resolution thirty percent target of The South African women in political and constitution commits South Gender activists have been at decision making structures Africans to non- the forefront in asserting the by 2005”. Recent research discrimination on the basis right to women’s indicates that many of the of gender. This principle participation in decision countries in the region will concurs with international making, especially in not fulfil this objective by human rights standards. In government. South African 2005. A study edited by the last decade, gender women lobbied for the Colleen Lowe Morna found equity has become a inclusion of women’s rights that only three countries, precondition for good in the constitution, for the South Africa, Seychelles and governance and ANC to adopt a thirty per Mozambique would meet the democratisation. There is cent quota for women’s thirty per cent commitment, both a quantitative and representation in government Tanzania and Namibia could qualitative reasoning behind and for a Women’s Charter possibly still do so, whilst this association. Women for Effective Equality. The the others were unlikely to represent more than fifty per 8 quest for gender equality was do so . Why is gender parity cent of the population and extended to the SADC they therefore have a right to region in 1997 when the member countries signed the 8 Colleen Lowe Morna, ed. 2004. Politics: Ringing up the Changes. Declaration on Gender and Gender in Southern African Johannesburg: Gender Links.

14 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 be equitably represented in change in the values and nine premiers are women. governing structures. A modes operandi of On the whole, therefore, ‘critical mass’ of women in institutions so that they focus South Africa is leading the decision making institutions on change that is meaningful quest for gender equity by is necessary to effect to the development of example. We have surpassed transformation of institutions women. See Table 1 below. the thirty percent mark in so that they will be many government forums. responsive to the needs of These statistics indicate that However, the yardstick for women. Central to gender the ANC has maintained its gender equity has also transformation is a change in obligation to ensure a shifted, with calls for a fifty- power relations. This will minimum of thirty per cent fifty representation. It is only materialise when of women in Parliament. In therefore important for the women are visible in the Parliament overall, too, the South African government to corridors of power. It is thirty percent mark has been continue to assert change in therefore not only the reached. Forty percent of the the gender power equation. democratic right to national executive, i.e., participate in decision Ministers, are women. There making structures that is are ten women Deputy being advocated, but also a Ministers and four of the Table 1:Representation of women in Parliament 1994-2004

1994 1999 2004 Party Total Women % Total Women % Total Women % Women Women Women ANC 252 90 35.7 266 95 35.7 279 104 37 DP/ 7 1 14 38 6 15.7 50 13 26 DA IFP 43 10 23 33 9 27.2 28 5 18.5 NP/ 82 9 10 28 4 14.2 7 0 0 NNP UDM 14 1 7 9 4 44.4 ACDP 2 0 0 6 2 33 6 2 33 FF 3 0 0 4 0 0 UCDP 3 1 33 3 0 0 PAC 5 1 20 3 0 0 3 0 0 OTHER 5 2 40 (7) (3) (43) TOTAL 400 111 27.7 400 120 30 400 131 32.7

Source: Gender Links9

9 Colleen Lowe Morna, 2004. “The ‘beginning of complacency’? Gender and the 2004 elections” accessed at Gender Links Website on 15/5/2004. www.genderlinks.org.za/whatsnew/apr-complacency.htm

15 Election update 2004 south africa number 9

It is also clear from the supporters because of her parliament and thirty percent above statistics that many gender. The party itself, of the provincial cabinet. opposition parties are not however, has not been vocal The Western Cape has heeding the call to effect on gender issues. In general, historically been a province women’s participation. gender issues were played that has been at the forefront Parties that decreased their down by all the political of challenging all forms of representation in Parliament parties, except those who discrimination. It is also the (NNP and IFP) also showed were advocating for the province that hosts the a corresponding decrease in outlawing of abortion and national parliament that has, the number of women they homosexual marriages. since its transformation in have in Parliament indicating Although crime, 1994, achieved a high that women are the first to be unemployment and aids representation of women. It dropped from their party featured in all the party is, therefore, unacceptable lists. It is important that campaigns, few linked these that gender representation in gender equity moves beyond to the differential impact on the provincial parliament a policy requirement of the women. This begs the will not reach the goal of the ANC to one that is rooted in question of whether political SADC Declaration on the society as a whole. This parties believe that gender is Gender and Development in is important for many of the no longer a pressing issue the stipulated period. gains made by the ANC led because the disparities have Although the Western Cape government will be lost if been breached, or have they has been disadvantaged by any other party secures a retrogressed because they are previous governing parties majority in future elections. simply not concerned with who have not adopted the it? See Table 2 below. women’s quota, and who The woman who received After the 2004 provincial continue to be the dominant the most media attention elections women’s opposition parties, the ANC during the 2004 election was representation in the in the Western Cape could . Political legislature has increased by have done much more in this analysts believe that she was 4.6 per cent. Women now election to at least meet the able to attract support from constitute twenty eight target. many previous women DA percent of the provincial

Women MPLs In Provincial Legislatures 1994 1999 2004

Provinces Seats W % Seats W % Seats W %

Western Cape 42 10 23.8 42 10 23.8 42 12 28.5 Source: Gender Links

The lack of a ‘critical mass’ gender and therefore lacks a making structures. There are of women in the provincial strategic perspective for the many debates on these government shows through specific targeting of women systems with opposition in the Framework for the for development initiatives. parties claiming that the Development of the Western quota is not a necessity and Province document where The quota and proportional academics that the PR there is a focus on the representation (PR) systems system reduces development of youth, but are primarily the means accountability. Although not women. The document is through which women have other political parties have devoid of any analysis of been able to enter decision not adopted the quota

16 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 system, there is pressure for To date, arguments about the needs to be revisited. We them to include women. If PR system have been cannot do away with the quota system is dropped, confined to the diminished mechanisms that afford this will negatively impact ability of constituencies to inclusion until such time as on the representation of keep their representatives our societies have been women. Already, it appears accountable. If it is true that normalised. as if parties are merely the PR system favours the content with reaching the incorporation of women then minimum number required. the debate on the PR system

Eastern Cape participation of women in Women and politics, before discussing Four out of nine South the relationship between African provincial premiers Elections in the women and the major are women and this includes Eastern Cape political parties. the Eastern Cape’s Nosimo Balindlela. These figures are Dr Thabisi Hoene The post analysis section is by local standards very Rhodes University devoted to a discussion of impressive. However, the ANC and gender issues according to the latest United Introduction both as the ruling party and Nations Development government in the province. Programme (UNDP) This paper discusses issues Human Development Report, related to gender, Background: The National the rate of poverty amongst specifically those that affect and Provincial Picture South African women that is women in the provincial calculated as individual electoral process. Its general Women are a significant earnings of three hundred thrust is to locate women in force in South African and fifty four rands per the political landscape of the electoral contests both at the month is 51 percent. province and interpret their provincial and national stage. role and impact through a Thus, it is crucial to This is higher than the reading of parties’ policies in determine their role and average national poverty relation to these issues. The function by reference to rate, which is 49 percent. question is related to the some important statistics that Therefore, there are serious national scene where reflect this position. economic problems that appropriate. women face, and it is thus Nationally, 55 percent of all important to analyse the First, the contribution registered voters were electoral process and results discusses the national and women. At the national in conjunction with how this provincial background to level, women make up 33 processes is related to women by tabling and percent of all women’s issues provincially. discussing statistics that parliamentarians, up from 30 locates women and their per cent in 1997. This places Registration position in the political South Africa 11 from 15 in landscape of the country.It the global ranking of women Judged against national then specifically looks at represented in Parliament statistics, the registration rate registration figures as the and first in the South African of women in the Eastern most crucial indicator of the Development Community Cape is very impressive. level of interest and (SADC) region. Fifty eight percent of women

17 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 registered provincially, All the major parties with registration average of 55 translating into a 3 percent more than 300 candidates on percent. difference with the national their lists had 30 percent or average of 55 percent. Most more women candidates. The situation is accentuated illustratively, these with regard to the lowest provincial figures are the Nationally, the Socialist province Free State that had second highest with only Party of Azania (Sopa) had 25 percent representation of Limpopo recording the the highest percentage of women as against the highest voting percentage of women on its list at 39 national average of 55 women, at 61 percent. percent, followed by the percent- a staggering 30 UCDP at 38 percent. The percent difference. A significant feature to note ANC was third with 35 on the national registration percent, while the DA In the Eastern Cape, figures of men and women, female representation was 32 although the ANC had the is that between the age percent. highest number of female groups of 18 to 89 that are party candidates at 37 seven divided into eight groups of Two major parties the NNP percent, it still fell far short voting ages, the registration and FF had lower than 30 of the provincial average of figure of women is higher percent women registrations at 58 percent. than that of men, both at the representation. national and provincial level. Regarding party manifestoes, Amongst the major parties, predictably most political That is, in all provinces of at both the provincial and parties had something to say the country, registered national level, the number of with regard to specific women outnumber men in women on party lists in the women’s issues such the every age category. top ten candidates ranged provision of anti-HIV drugs from 3 to 4 for each list. to pregnant women, The magnitude of the joblessness, abortion rights challenges facing women in The Eastern Cape had the and so on. The emphasis the Eastern Cape is indicated highest proportion of women differed from party to party, by the fact that the UNDP candidates at 37 percent with with the ID having one of the reports notes that the Eastern the Free State lowest at 25 most elaborate manifestos in Cape has the highest levels percent. this regard, unsurprisingly of poverty at 68 percent, 20 because it is the only major percent than the national It is open to debate whether party led by a woman. average. the number of candidates and registration of women should However, there was still Women and Political be balanced and there are criticism that most women’s Parties differing viewpoints on this issues were being subsumed issue from party to party. But within the rubric of the Taking into account the high quite clearly, there was a major issues such the registration of women for the wide gulf between economy, joblessness, and election and the response of registration figures and crime. That is, there was not the political parties to their women party candidates. For much sufficient attention to needs and representation, the instance, Sopa, as the party what specific policy issues picture is not all that with the highest percentage should be driven with regard encouraging despite the fact of women candidates at 39 to women. women constituted an percent had a 16 percent average of 31 percent on all difference with the national party lists.

18 Election update 2004 south africa number 9

Post Election Scenario: 1999 is meant to quell rife on how effectively The ANC and Women in factionalism within Balindlela's administration Government provincial branches of the tackles gender issues. It still party. remains to be seen whether Following national trends, her appointment as a woman, the ANC has tried to The frictions that have arisen in and of itself, will increase the number of from this policy change, are necessarily lead to more women representation to the very important to any visibility of women in higher echelons of province so affected because government hence, government, both at this has the propensity to increasing their capacity to provincial and national level. lead to party disunity which influence policies affecting impacts negatively on them. This was indicated government delivery. This provincially by the problem is pertinent to the Preliminary trends indicate nomination of Nosimo Eastern Cape, as the local so, with regard to the Balindlela, the number three ANC has been locked in legislature where the two top on the candidate list, as the these factional disputes that positions the Speaker and first female premier of the led to government and party Deputy are both female. The province. intervention to resolve them. situation however is Most importantly the current reflective of national trends She was chosen over the premier, Balindela was as representation at in the incumbent premier sacked from the position as a provincial cabinet is still Mkhenkhesi Stofile, who cabinet minister by Stofile in below 50 percent with four was later nominated as a 1998 in a move which was female provincial ministers national cabinet minister. seen to be resulting from out of ten. these tensions. Although she does not lead The test in the next five the provincial branch of the This is a critical question in years will be to what extent party province, Balindlela's the Eastern Cape, as one of the provincial government appointment to premier has the first major policy will be able to address the raised the same kinds of decisions the premier took, challenges facing the debates in other provinces- related to the selection of her government that include mainly around how cabinet encountered serious severe poverty, democratic this practice is problems. She was seen to be unemployment, HIV-AIDS and how it will impact on sidelining allies of the and corruption. provincial politics, especially former premier by within the party and nominating to her cabinet Whether gender government. people that were perceived representation in itself will not to be in Stofile’s camp. be able to resolve the serious The ANC reversed the policy problems that face the it had adopted in 1994 of This led to the intervention government is still open to nominating provincial party of the national headquarters debate. leaders as automatic of the party and eventually a premiers after some serious compromise was reached. Conclusion internal party rivalries in the provinces of the Free State, Thus, the ANC ability to Gender issues and elections Mpumalanga, the Eastern deal with the critical in the Eastern Cape still Cape and Limpopo. It argues questions that face women in revolve around the debates that this new policy that was the next five years in the that are going on at the implemented largely from province will depend largely

19 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 national level and in other voting and how they are women playing a significant provinces. accommodated in making an role in politics in terms of impact within political their numbers. The issue at stake is to create parties and the government. a balance between the participation of women in The Eastern Cape exhibits a politics in processes such as high level of the former, with

NORTHERN CAPE

(En) gendering the Parliament, which were A special vote is a relief to previously seen as a male groups such as the elderly Elections domain. and pregnant women who Women and the 2004 might not be able to walk Election in the Northern Women and the Election long distances in order to Cape cast their votes. The special The participation of women vote is in place to deal with Kenny Hlela in the election depends on a some of the structural Centre for Policy Studies number of factors. For constraints that might example, where there are prevent women from freely The number of women high levels of political exercising their democratic registered for the third violence and intimidation we right to vote. national and provincial are more likely to see elections held on 14 April women staying away from South Africa has passed a 2004 was higher than that of politics. The introduction of number of progressive laws men. For example, in the a special vote has made it that are meant to make Northern Cape, 227 524 possible for those people voting accessible to all. women registered against who would find it difficult to However there are other 206 067 men. But this should go to voting stations or stand structural constraints that are be no surprise, since women in long queues. One of the difficult to identify and that outnumber men in all groups that benefits from the might impact negatively on provinces. According to the special vote is that of how women exercise their 2001 census, women pregnant women. They are rights. Some of these constitute 52,2 percent of the more likely to find it difficult constraints are more South African population. to exercise their democratic pronounced amongst the On average men also tend to right to vote on the day of poor groups than the other die younger than their female the election. In the Northern groups in our society. The counterparts. In spite of this, Cape provincial election fact that the Northern Cape however, women are there were 15 544 special is largely rural might mean underrepresented in a votes. The fact that the that access to information number of spheres. In the Independent Electoral could be very limited further past, it was generally Commission works on a disadvantaging weaker accepted that women were in limited budget means that members of the society. charge of the private sphere, the delimitation process is Even though women while the public sphere was not always adequate. This is constitute the majority of mainly reserved for men. more pronounced in a those registered to vote; this Today a significant number province such as the would not necessarily of women are represented in Northern Cape – which is translate into electoral institutions such as vast and sparsely populated. dominance. This is one of

20 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 the reasons some political top of its list. The provincial mixed responses. Some parties have set up quotas to list was headed by the then people see it as a vote of accelerate female MEC for Education, Tina confidence in women. Smuts representation in public Joemat-Petterson, who is Ngonyama, the ANC institutions. now the MEC for national spokesperson, said Agriculture and Land the appointment of four One of the often-purported Reform in the new women premiers could be advantages of the Provincial Executive Council interpreted as a vote of proportional representation (PEC). The chairpersonship confidence in their (PR) system in South of the provincial ANC was competence. Colleen Morna African is that it allows for also taken over by a woman Lowe of the Gender Links the representation of after the resignation of John lauded President Thabo minorities and marginalised Block who had been hinted Mbeki for increasing the groups. Therefore, the as a possible successor to number of women premiers. increase in the number of Manne Dipico. Dipico has She argued that there is a women in the South African since assumed a position of notable increase of women in provincial Parliament might Parliamentary Advisor to the National Assembly. She somehow be credited to this President Thabo Mbeki. He further argued that her system. The other relevant had already served two terms organisation believes that factor is that the ANC has set – the maximum allowed by women and men should have up quotas stipulating that a the constitution. equal representation. On the third of its representatives other hand, Douglas Gibson should be women. Other Representation of Women in the of the Democratic Alliance parties do not have such Northern Cape Provincial. argued that this was a policies. For example, the Legislature. 1994-2004 subversion of democracy and Democratic Alliance (DA) 1994 1999 2004 most of those who were W* W W opposes quotas but it claims % % appointed to lead their Seats Seats % Seats that it is trying to improve 7 8 11 respective provinces were the number of its female 30 24% 30 26.6% 30 37% totally unknown except for parliamentarians. The DA Source: Gender Links *(W=Women) two or three individuals. He has increased the number of argued that in democracies The appointment of a female its women representatives in voters have the right to premier in the province has the National Assembly from choose their leaders and this seen the elevation of a six in 1999 to 13 after the has not been the case with number of women into April 14 elections. the ANC. He said that it was senior positions in line with now clear why the ANC kept the wishes of the top ANC Women in Leadership the identity of its premier leadership. For instance, the Positions candidates secret. speaker and the deputy Some of the proponents of speaker are women. Former South Africa is one of the higher women representation Safety and Liaison MEC, leading countries in the in places of power are Connie Seoposengwe was representation of women in concerned that the process to elected Speaker and Grizelda public life. We have a improve women Cjiekella as her deputy, number of women in representation is too reliant while the Provincial leadership positions and the on the ANC. They argue that Executive Council also has a Northern Cape has witnessed the ANC continues to number of women the swearing in of its first contribute disproportionate representatives. female premier. In the ANC number of women in provincial list for the 2004 Parliament. In the National The elevation of women into election, a woman was at the Assembly, ANC women leadership positions has had

21 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 legislators constitute 80 Agriculture and Land Affairs opportunity to increase the percent, which is higher than topped the ANC provincial number of women the ANC’s overall voter list. legislators. Top-down support of almost 70 percent. reforms might not resolve Conclusion the structural constraints that But without the intervention prevent women from of the ANC it will be The elevation of women into competing for leadership difficult to project the significant leadership positions but it is a step in number of women that could positions in the Northern the right direction. One of be represented at both Cape legislature was the factors that afforded the national and provincial level. interpreted by the recently ANC a chance to For example, in the elected Premier consciously increase the provisional provincial as a show of confidence by number of its female election list for the Northern the President Mbeki on the legislators could be the Cape, the current provincial ability of women to lead. continued increase of its premier was outside the top This province has witnessed support. The other possible twenty on the list. Therefore a number of women explanation is that the without a deliberative assuming important women within the ANC are attempt by the ANC to leadership positions and more organised than those in empower women most of the should there be a province other parties, then using that women would be outside the likely to achieve 50/50 strength to lobby for a higher levers of power. This is representation, it would be female representation. beside the point since the this one. The PR system has current provincial MEC for afforded the ANC the

References Morna, C. L. 2004. “Long road to The Independent Electoral 50/50 in assembly,” Business Day, Commision Business Day, 22/04/2004 28 April The Mail and Guardian Online, BuaNews Online, 30/04/2004 Morna, C.L. 2004. “The beginning Friday 30 April 2004; http://www.gcis.gove.za/buanews of complacency”? Gender and the http://www.mg.co.za 2004 elections.” Gender Links. BuaNews Online, 27/04/2004 http://www.generlinks.org.za/gelec The Star, 22/04/2004 http://www.gcis.gove.za/buanews tions/pressrelease.asp?nid=7

Mpumalanga

Gender specific policies relating to representation of women has gender representation among been experienced mainly due Representation in the major established to the overwhelming victory the 2004 Elections political parties, the gains by the ANC both at national appear to have been confined and provincial level. Thabo Rapoo mainly to the African Centre for Policy Studies National Congress both at Women in Party Lists – provincial and national Comparing 1999 and 2004 The issue of gender appears levels, as well as through to have been elevated to President’s Mbeki’s policy Many opposition political prominent status during this choices for national cabinet parties in general had year’s general election. ministers and provincial increased the proportions of However, in terms of the premiers.In other words, a women candidates in their concrete action and gender slight increase in the party lists, both national and

22 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 provincial. The table below their combined provincial legislature is very shows the percentages of national/provincial limited and confined only to women candidates in the candidates lists in 2004, the ANC, as will be shown combined provincial and AZAPO leads at 37%, below. national lists of some of the followed by the ANC major political parties that (35.4%), PAC (33.64%), IFP Elected Women Members contested the elections for (31.82%) and ACDP of Provincial Legislatures- 2004 and this year. The table (31.80%). The parties with Comparing 1999 and 2004 shows clearly that there has the least proportions of been a shift in thinking and women candidates were the Despite the increased prioritisation of women Freedom Front (23.39%) in number of women representation since 1999. last position, followed by the candidates in party lists in UDM (24.94%) and NNP 2004, only the ANC had a Proportions of Female (25.21%). realistic chance of increasing Candidates in Combined Party the number of female MPLs Lists. In the case of Mpumalanga, at provincial level and this the representation of female appears to have been the key % % candidates in party lists was explanatory factor in the Women Women severely restricted. To slight increase of female (1999 (2004 PARTY illustrate this point, the top MPLs at provincial level this Party Party ten candidates in the year. The table below shows lists) lists) provincial lists of the four that in general, the number major political parties are of female MPLs has been ACDP * 31.8 % predominantly male. For steadily increasing since instance, in the case of the 1994 where the total figure ANC 35 35.4 % ANC, three of the first top was 102 (24%), to 119 AZAPO * 37 % ten names in the party’s (27.7%) in 1999 and 139 DP/DA 20 % 31.59 % provincial list are women. (32.3%) in 2004. In the Even if this is in line with specific case of ID 30.33 % current party policy on Mpumalanga, the number of IFP 22 % 31.82 % gender representation, it is female MPLs has also been NNP 15 % 25.21 % still limiting the steadily increasing since representation of women. 1994 where the figure was 6 PAC * 33.64 % However, the ANC did much (20%), to 8 in 1999 (26.6%) UDM * 24.94 % better than other political and 9 in 2004 (30%). FFPlus 16 % 23.39 % parties in the province. For *Gender not specified. instance, the NNP’s Source: Gender Links candidates list for the provincial legislature had Not only did the proportion only one woman among the of women candidates top ten names. Not a single increase in 2004, but also female appeared in the top more political parties are ten candidate’s names for the clearly indicating the DA and the UDM. proportions of women in their candidate lists. The As a result of this limited table above also shows that representation of women in among the top five political provincial party lists, the parties with the largest representational role of percentages of women in women in the Mpumalanga

23 Election update 2004 south africa number 9

A Comparison of Women MPs , 1994, 1999 and 2004 Elections 1994 1999 2004

Provinces Seats W % Seats W % Seats W %

Mpumalanga 30 6 20 30 8 26.6 30 9 30 Source: Gender Links

It is clear that the major the ANC: this means that elections. Even the political parties contesting over 70% of the membership composition of the current the elections in Mpumalanga of the Mpumalanga provincial executive follows did not have clear policies legislature is male. However, the same principle. and strategies on gender despite their limited Mpumalanga is not one of representation. As indicated representation, women have the four provinces currently above, the ANC was the only always played an import role led by a new female Premier. party with a clear a policy of within the legislature. Therefore only three of the ensuring that a third of its Female MPLs have occupied current ten members of the candidates or every third positions of power and provincial executive are candidate in its party election authority inside the women – this maintains a candidates lists is a woman. legislature in the past. For longstanding tradition of Even if in the past, this instance, the position of male dominated provincial policy was not adhered to deputy speaker has always Executive Councils in the strictly and coherently, the been reserved for women province where the number party has nonetheless members. The first ever of female members has never ensured that the principle is deputy speaker of the newly exceeded four since 1994. entrenched within its internal established Eastern structures and as part of its Transvaal, which later It is not clear whether or not philosophy. The other became Mpumalanga, was such a limited role for political parties, especially at female - Cynthia Maropeng. women inside the legislature provincial level, appear to She was later replaced my is a reflection of the still lack that clarity with Pinkie Phosa, who has now underlying political respect to gender become a speaker after this unwillingness within the representation policies. year’s general elections. In leadership structures of Therefore, all the female addition, ANC female MPLs political parties or reluctance MPLs in the past three terms do regularly serve as among women in society in of the Mpumalanga chairpersons and deputy general to take up politics as legislature have always been chairpersons of legislative a career. However, one of members of the ANC. committees, as well as party the key factors limiting the whips. representational role of Inside the provincial women in the formal legislature, the role of Not much has changed this political institutions of women has always been year in terms of gender government at provincial limited and remains so. As in representation for women. level is the overwhelming the other nine legislatures, The ANC remains the only popularity of one political the Mpumalanga legislature political party with a clear party (i.e. the ANC) and the has always been male gender representation policy corresponding inability of dominated and remains so. and ability to carry it opposition parties to break Only nine of the current through. The party followed this dominance. If this thirty MPLs are female and and adhered to this policy continues, then the all of them are members of during this year’s provincial representational role of

24 Election update 2004 south africa number 9 women in formal politics and national and provincial Mpumalanga News, 8/04/2004 within democratic levels. News24.com, 11/05/2004 (www.news24.com) representative institutions SABC News Online, 03/05/2004 will depend on the References SABC News Online, 26/04/2004 willingness of the ANC to Star, 22/04/2004 increase the quota of women Gender Links, 7/04/2004 Pretoria News, 23/04/2004 in its candidates lists, both at (www.genderlinks.org.za/gelection South African Press Association, s/press release) 22/04/2004

• Additional information obtained from the different political parties & the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature Website.

PREVIOUS ISSUES Configuration of Party Political Contest in the CONTENTS Forthcoming Election 12 Provincial Roundup No. I, 2 February 2004 Gauteng Youth Participation in the 2004 General Elections: A Editorial 1 Bash with a Difference 17 The Context: 2 North West National Perspectives Same Old, Same Old? 19 Voter Registration 8 KZN South African Broadcasting Corporation Bread and Circuses: Early Breaks the Rules and ICASA Turns a Blind Eye 10 Electioneering in KZN 21 Gauteng Campaigning in KwaZulu- Election Management: The Preparedness of the IEC 12 Natal 23 Snooze, You Lose: Voter Education in Gauteng 14 Free State North West Province Party Candidates: Nominations and Campaign Processes Apathy to be the Big Winner in the North West Province 28 16 Better Late than Never: Submission of Cndidates’ Lists KwaZulu-Natal in the Free State 30 A Growing Commitment to Democracy in KwaZulu- Western Cape Natal 18 Western Cape: A Vote for Tradition, Personalities or The End of KwaZulu-Natal as We Know It? Issues 33 Election Preparations in the Context of a Possible ANC Eastern Cape Victory 20 Preliminary Campaign Trends and Free State Likely Election Outcomes 36 Electoral Perspectives on Free State Province 24 Mpumalanga Operation Registration: An Assessment of Voter Mpumulanga Province: Electioneering Headstart Registration in the Free State 26 for the Ruling Party 39 Western Cape Chronology 43 Looking Back and Stepping Forward in the Western Previous Issue Contents 44 Cape 28 Eastern Cape No. 3, 1 March 2004 Eastern Cape: Reflections, Projections on the Eastern Cape 32 Editorial 1 Mpumalanga National Perspectives The Election Arena: Mpumalanga Province in the Parties not People: 2 Spotlight 36 Public Funding of Political Parties 4 More Analysis of the No. 2, 16 February 2004 Manifestos 7 Provincial Roundups Editorial Gauteng National Perspectives Student Electoral Participation: A Wits Survey 10 Nomination Processes of Parties on Levelling the Playing Fields: The Electoral Code of Candidates Lists 2 Conduct for Party Campaigns 13 A Case Study: The African National Congress NorthWest Nomination Process 7 Locals and Lists, The Launch of the Parties’ Manifesto and Election Posters … 15 Campaigns 9 KZN Voting with their Feet: 17

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Transparency in Party Funding No. 5, 30 March 2004 & the Use of the Media 20 Free State Editorial 1 Media as an Empowering National Perspectives Tool 22 The IEC’s State of Media Flourishes But Will Everybody Be Heard? 24 Preparedness 2 Western Cape The Unwilling Voters and the 2004 Elections in Media, Use of State Resources and South Africa 7 Party Financing 28 Debates and Viewpoints Eastern Cape Ten Years of Democracy and the Dominant Party Media & Political Party Campaign 30 System in South Africa 8 Northern Cape Provincial Roundup It is Better Late than Never in the Gauteng Northern Cape 33 The Preparedness of the IEC for the 2004 General Mpumalanga Election 15 Mpumalanga on the Eve of Formal Election NorthWest Province Campaigning 36 North West, Ready Previous Issue Contents 40 or Not? 20 KZN No. 4, 19 March 2004 Election Readiness in KZN A competent and Wise Head Atop an Average Editorial 1 Body 21 National Perspectives Free State Political Violence & Election Readiness – 100% 26 Intimidation 2 So Far, So Good: IEC Looks Ready for Elections in the Managing conflict: preparing for Free State 29 the 2004 elections 6 Western Cape Election and Conflict 9 The IEC Prepares 32 Political Violence and Intimidation, and the Role of the Eastern Cape Security Forces 12 Preparedness in the Eastern Cape 34 Northern Cape Provincial Roundup Its All Systems Go in the Northern Cape 37 Gauteng Mpumalanga Registration of voters Mpumalanga’s Electoral Preparedness 40 in Gauteng 19 Previous Issue Contents 43 North West Province Chronology 3 44 The Landless have their Sa 20 KZN No 6, 12 April 2004 Politics by Other Means 22 Focus on Political Violence 24 Editorial 1 Free State National Perspectives Political Violence & Intimidation, the Role of the Campaign 2004 2 Security Forces 27 Debates and Viewponts Election 2004: Free, Fair and Management of Election-Related Conflict: A Case Study without Intimdiation? 30 of South Africa 5 Western Cape Provincial Roundup Political Violence and Intimidation in the Gauteng Western Cape, Where? 34 Political Violence and Intimidation: Role of Security Eastern Cape Forces in Gauteng 9 Political Violence & Intimidation: An Asssessment of North West Risks 36 Winning the Attention of the Media 11 Northern Cape Limpopo No Complacency in the Northern Cape 40 Limpopo Gears up for the Elections 13 Mpumalanga KwaZulu-Natal Mpumalnga Province: Uneasiness behind Waiting for the Bargaining: the Oddness of Party the Calm 43 Campaigning in KZN 15 Chronology No. 2 47 Campaigning in KwaZulu-Natal 18 Previous Issue Contents 48 Free State Count Down: Election Campaigning and Conflict Management 20

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Western Cape No. 8, 17 May 2004 On the Campaign Trail in the Western Cape 23 Eastern Cape Editorial 1 Party Campaigns: The Non-Contest Election in the National Perspectives Eastern Cape 26 Post-election Phase: Election Results Northern Cape and Post-Election 2 Election Campaigning and Conflict Management – The Ten Years of Democracy and the Northern Cape 29 State of Opposition Politics in South Africa 9 Mpumalanga Provincial Roundup Election Campaining and Conflict Management in Gauteng Mpumalanga 32 The Election and its Aftermath 13 Previous Issue Contents 36 NorthWest North west: Things Staying the Same, No. 7, 26 April 2004 Just More So 15 KZN Editorial 1 KZN Election Aftermath:“The Sulkers National Perspectives and the Gloaters” 18 Election Phase 2004 2 The end of the KZN as we know it: the rise of the ANC The 2004 Election and Democratic in 2004 20 Governance in South Africa 7 Free State Interim Statement by the EISA What it is All About? 23 Election Observation Mission 12 Western Cape Provincial Roundup The 2004 Election Results 27 Gauteng Eastern Cape Gauteng goes to the Polls 16 Election Results: Outcome, Trends North West Province and Future Prospects 30 Review of the Voting Process in the North West 18 Northern Cape Limpopo The Review of the 2004 National and Provincial Fair Play in Limpopo 19 Elections 33 KZN Mpumalanga Still Waters Run Deep 21 Mpumalanga: Overall Election Results 35 IFP Loses KZN 23 Previous Issue Contents 38 Free State Elections at Last! 26 Election Phase 2004 29 Western Cape Conducting Credible Elections 32 Northern Cape Election Material and Counting 34 Eastern Cape The Electoral Process in the Eastern Cape 36 Mpumalanga The Election Phase in Mpumalanga 39 Previous Issue Contents 42

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