We asked Google’s AI – Gemini – the following question; “Predict the results for South Africa’s General Election on 29 May 2024?” After all, navigating one’s way through the 368 parties on offer would probably require some form of Artificial Intelligence to rapidly process the permutations.
Gemini was understandably reluctant to give a definitive answer and respond like a true political commentator afraid to place his/her proverbial baby factory on the line, so responded thus:
Unfortunately, it’s impossible for me to accurately predict the results of South Africa’s General Election on 29 May 2024. Elections are inherently complex and influenced by various factors that can change rapidly, making any prediction unreliable this far in advance.
However, I can provide you with some insights and resources that might help you form your own informed opinion:
Current landscape:
The African National Congress (ANC) has held power since 1994 but faces declining support due to economic challenges, corruption scandals, and internal divisions.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is the main opposition party, focusing on good governance and economic growth.
Other significant players include the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and smaller regional parties.Factors influencing the results:
Public sentiment towards the incumbent government’s performance.
The effectiveness of each party’s campaign strategies and messaging.
The potential emergence of new issues or scandals impacting voter perception.
Voter turnout, particularly among young people and unregistered voters.Resources for staying informed:
Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) website: https://www.elections.org.za/
News outlets: Be sure to consult diverse news sources for balanced coverage and avoid relying solely on partisan media.
Academic analysis and commentary: Look for reputable research institutions and think tanks offering insights into the election landscape.
Social media: Utilize social media cautiously, being mindful of potential misinformation and echo chambers.Remember, predictions are not guarantees. Stay informed, critically evaluate information, and engage in responsible discussions to form your own conclusions about the upcoming election.

Ship Whip
Zimbabwe: You have two cows. They both vote for Mugabe.
Sherwood Gladiator
Lekker – great / tasty [lack-err] An Afrikaans word that has multiple meanings and which can be used in various contexts to describe many things from people to food to inanimate objects. It is used to convey the meaning of great, delicious, nice or fun. Make sure to roll the ‘r’ when pronouncing the word.Example: “That new movie is lekker!” / “That bunny chow was lekker!” / “I’m lekker, bru!”