Abstract
The transfer of political power to the African National Congress (ANC) in 1994 was critically important. However, executive dominance was retained in the new constitution despite a bill of rights and separation of powers. All post-apartheid parliaments have been dominated by the ANC. Elections have taken the form of an ethnic census which has therefore been largely ineffective. Racial politics produces a parliament that is unrepresentative of many black interests. The ANC faces a white-controlled official opposition while the ‘real’ opposition to the centrist ANC comes from its allies – the South African Communist Party and the trade union movement. The power of the ANC leadership prevents this opposition from being openly expressed in parliament, although it is widespread within the broader society. Critical issues for the future will include the consequences of either the disintegration of the alliance or its continuation.
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