South Africa’s most important election since 1994 may deliver the first coalition government in a democratic South Africa. However, as political parties vie for the votes of South Africans: How do citizens make the choice of where to put their mark? Who can they trust to give a voice to their aspirations and help rebuild and grow Africa’s most developed economy to benefit more people in the world’s most unequal society?

This guide is timeously published ahead of the upcoming national elections and details all political parties & their respective policies on key issues. It aims to empower citizens to make an informed decision at the ballot box.

Bauer shares his reflections about the writing process below: 

What inspired you to write this book?

I'm increasingly frustrated by the growing sense of despair and apathy among South Africans about the country's current political situation. Voting patterns are trending negatively in that fewer and fewer South Africans are deciding to xercise their right at the ballot box. This is a surefire recipe for disaster. The majority of failed states today - if they were ever democracies - followed this ruinous path of electoral indifference on the slippery slope to ruin. I hope that this book encourages people to turn up and vote in 2024. There has never been a more important election since 1994. 

Why should every South African be motivated to read this book? Anybody can read this book and immediately have a clearer understanding about what is on offer from each political party and which party aligns best with their views. If you're unsure who to vote for within a few hours you'll be well placed to make an informed decision.  

What surprised you the most during the writing process?

Many political parties don't thoroughly articulate their view on the majority of issues in South African society. There is a lack of focused messaging from our political parties about what they stand for and what they would do once in power. This was very apparent during the writing of this book. Getting each political party to summarise their thoughts into no more than 120 words was a challenge too.  

Describe in 3 words what your hopes are for the country in 2024? Empathy - Hope - Action 

Why must people vote in the 2024 elections?

Voting is the absolute bare minimum a citizen is expected to do in order to keep their country's democracy functioning. South Africa is in a deep crisis which will only worsen through a poor electoral showing from citizens. If less people vote our poorly performing political parties will only feel enabled to continue on the current path with enacting the urgent reforms needed to get South Africa back on the right track.