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POLITICAL SYSTEM

General Information

South Africa is a democratic parliamentary-presidential republic.
The supreme legislative body is the bicameral Parliament.
Head of state (2025) – President Cyril Ramaphosa, performing the functions of head of executive power and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Executive power belongs to the government headed by the President.
A multi-party system operates in the country. Following the results of the 2024 elections, 18 parties are represented in the National Assembly.

Respect for human rights, protection of dignity and honor, as well as the rule of law are key principles of domestic policy.

Constitutional System

South Africa is a democratic parliamentary-presidential republic. The main legal act of South Africa is the Constitution. The current Constitution was adopted by parliament in 1996. Since the adoption of the Constitution, it has been amended 18 times. The Constitution guarantees the observance of all human rights, protection of dignity and honor, as well as the rule of law.

The supreme body of executive power is the Government, which is formed and headed by the President. The term of the Government is 5 years by default, but directly depends on the term of Parliament. In addition to the President and Vice President, the Government includes 28 ministers who are appointed from among members of Parliament. The tasks of the Government include the implementation of national legislation, development and implementation of national policy, coordination of the functions of state ministries and administrations, as well as the performance of any other executive function provided for in the Constitution.

The supreme body of legislative power is Parliament. The upper house includes 90 members, the lower house – 400. Members of the lower house are elected by popular vote through the choice of one party or another. Parliament's tasks include creating and adopting laws. The tasks of the lower house include: electing the President, monitoring the actions of the Government and the President. The tasks of the upper house include observing the rights and interests of provinces at the national level, as well as discussing current issues with provincial representatives.

The judiciary is represented by several types of courts and does not have a single supreme body. The main courts for South Africa are: the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court of Appeal, and the High Court of South Africa. Each court is independent and is subject only to the law and the Constitution. The Constitutional Court resolves all issues related to the constitutional structure of the state. This is the only court that can resolve disputes between state bodies and provinces regarding the Constitution, the powers or functions of any of the state bodies, and also make decisions on the legitimacy of any amendment to the Constitution or any other bill. The Supreme Court of Appeal is headed by a Chief Justice and his deputy. This court has the authority to review and overturn any decisions of the High Court. The decisions of the Court of Appeal are binding on all lower courts. The High Court of South Africa has nine divisions – one for each province. Each High Court has jurisdiction over people residing in a particular province. High Courts make decisions on cases that lower courts cannot decide.

Labor Relations

The foundation of South Africa's labor legislation consists of the Constitution and laws: "On Labor Relations" of 1995, "On Basic Conditions of Employment" of 1997, "On Employment Equity" of 1998, "On Skills Development" of 1998, "On Unemployment Insurance" of 2001, "On Occupational Health and Safety" of 1993, and "On Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases" of 1993. The 1996 Constitution guarantees fundamental workers' rights.

South Africa has been a member of the ILO from 1919 to 1966, and again since 1994. The country has ratified the main ILO conventions, including conventions on freedom of association and protection of the right to organize, on the application of the principles of the right to organize and collective bargaining, on the elimination of forced labor and discrimination in employment and occupation.

Workers have the right to fair working conditions, health protection and safety in the workplace, social insurance, protection from discrimination in employment, and development of professional skills.

Trade Unions

The activities of South African trade unions are regulated by the same laws that regulate labor relations. As of 2021, 5 trade union centers operate in South Africa:

  • Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). The largest trade union association in South Africa. The association includes 1.8 mil. people and 21 trade union organizations. Part of an alliance with the ANC and the South African Communist Party;
  • South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU). The second largest trade union center. The association includes 800 thousand people and 21 trade union organizations.
  • Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA). The third largest trade union center in South Africa. The association includes 556 thousand people and 20 trade union organizations;
  • National Council of Trade Unions (NACTU). The association includes 397 thousand people and 20 trade union organizations;
  • Confederation of South African Workers' Unions (CONSAWU). The association includes 290 thousand people and 19 trade union organizations. The union associates itself with the ideology of Christian democracy.

According to the Labor Code, workers have the right to create trade unions and conduct strikes. Trade unions actively participate in social dialogue, including negotiations on improving working conditions and protecting workers' rights.