19/08/2026
There is something particularly rewarding about watching an idea come full circle.
In 2023, I wrote an article asking: “Should Thresholds Be Introduced to Bring Stability to Coalition Governments?” At the time, it was a contribution to an emerging debate about the growing reality of coalition government in South Africa — and what we could learn from countries with far longer experience of governing through coalitions.
Today, I found myself sitting in a room with lawmakers, political leaders, practitioners and academics discussing those very questions: coalition frameworks, electoral thresholds, governance arrangements and the proposed legislative framework for governing coalitions.
What made the conversation particularly enriching was being able to move beyond theory and draw lessons from the experiences of countries such as Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands — some of the international experiences that informed my thinking when I first wrote about this subject. The discussions reinforced something important for me: there is no single legislative mechanism that will create stable coalitions. Thresholds, formal coalition agreements, rules governing motions of no confidence and clearer frameworks may provide structure, but ultimately stable coalition government also requires political maturity, institutional strength, accountability and a genuine willingness to govern in the public interest.
It was a refreshing and enlightening dialogue, and perhaps a reminder that the questions we raise today can become the policy conversations of tomorrow.
And, of course, it doesn't hurt that EMCA was partnering with ACCORD in convening and contributing to these important discussions. Seeing our two organisations alongside each other on the programme was a particularly proud moment.
From writing about the question to sitting at the table where the frameworks and possible answers are being debated.
Full circle indeed.
My original article: Should Thresholds Be Introduced To Bring Stability To Coalition Governments | Election Management Consulting Agency of Africa https://share.google/VNRK9fcTdUn9zmyyh
04/08/2026
Join us on PowerPerspective 23:00. We are discussing what young SA voters can learn from Liberia and Zambia.
Despite sharing deep socioeconomic challenges, young voters in Liberia (2023) and Zambia (2021) demonstrated that active participation at the ballot box can drive peaceful political accountability and force leaders to listen.
02/08/2026
The programme
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04/05/2026
📢 TEMPORARY OPPORTUNITIES – PRETORIA (4-MONTH CONTRACTS)
Elections Management & Consulting Agency (EMCA) www.emca.co.za
EMCA, a leading governance, elections, and advisory firm operating across Africa, invites applications from high-calibre professionals for two fixed-term roles based in Pretoria. These positions require individuals who can operate with precision, uphold governance standards, and deliver in high-pressure environments.
1. Compliance Officer (4-Month Contract)
The successful candidate will be responsible for strengthening compliance oversight and ensuring adherence to regulatory and governance frameworks across projects.
Key Responsibilities:
Monitor and enforce compliance with applicable legislation, policies, and internal controls
Maintain risk and compliance registers and support audit processes
Conduct compliance reviews and produce audit-ready reports
Provide advisory support on governance and regulatory requirements
Ensure accurate and complete documentation for accountability purposes
Minimum Requirements:
Degree or National Diploma in Procurement and Supply Chain, Public Management, or a related field
Demonstrated experience in compliance, audit, or regulatory environments
Strong understanding of governance frameworks (public sector exposure advantageous)
High attention to detail with strong analytical capability
2. Marketing Officer (4-Month Contract)
The successful candidate will support strategic positioning of the EMCA brand through effective marketing and communications ex*****on.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement marketing and communications initiatives
Manage digital platforms, content creation, and campaign ex*****on
Support stakeholder engagement and brand visibility efforts
Coordinate events, media engagement, and promotional activities
Monitor and report on campaign performance and insights
Minimum Requirements:
Degree or Diploma in Marketing, Communications, or a related field
Proven experience in marketing, communications, or brand management
Strong digital marketing and content development skills
Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, results-driven environment
Core Competencies (Both Roles):
Professional integrity and strong sense of accountability
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to work independently within structured governance environments
Strong organisational skills and ability to meet deadlines
Must be able to hit the ground running
📍 Location: Pretoria
📅 Contract Duration: 4 Months
📧 Applications:
Submit a detailed CV to: [email protected]
📌 Closing Date: 11 May 2026
www.emca.co.za