These key indications are evident after the general election held on the 7th of May 2014:
More voters turned out to vote than were expected by the IEC.
A larger percentage of voters than before overcame traditional cultural and racial stereotypes and voted with their heads and not with their hearts. Were the Born-Frees responsible for most of this change?
There was less emotion shown by both leaders and the electorate than in previous elections.
The Democratic Alliance strengthened its position as the official opposition in Gauteng, the Northen Cape, the Eastern Cape, the Free State, Kwa Zulu Natal and Mpumalanga.
The Democratic Alliance looks poised to challenge for control of Gauteng in the next election unless the EFF and the ANC manage to work together to form a coalition.
The ANC performed well below their own expectations in the Western Cape and in Gauteng.
The ANC achieved small gains in the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape, the Northern Cape and Kwa Zulu Natal. The Democratic Alliance did even better.
The EFF did better than some expected in Gauteng, but not as well as they themselves expected to.
The EFF is the official opposition in Limpopo and in the North West.
COPE has virtually disappeared from the political arena. The same goes for the IFP.
AGANG was a non-starter.
Every other small party performed dismally and it seems as though every one of them is heading for extinction.
The end of the beginning of democracy (first 20 years)in South Africa. Now for the more mature second phase, where only seriously viable parties with excellent organisational structures and large financial backing will participate.
Will we see just three parties next time round?
