While the 2024 elections could never top the first democratic polls 30 years ago, there is a distinct 'post-1994 feeling' to the new reality facing South Africa.

So, they did it!

Despite all the threats of a doomsday scenario, a deal was struck between the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and some of the other smaller political parties. I have to say that I wasn't surprised that the ANC went this way. For the last year, I have reassured my clients that the ANC would - albeit begrudgingly - rather go with the DA and IFP than with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) or the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party.

Yet, thanks to the DA's consistent doomsday campaign, people - especially those in the financial sector - remained sceptical and worried that the ANC would form a coalition with the far-left EFF or, even worse, amend the Constitution to ensure that they could stay in power despite defeat at the polls.

This is in some way understandable, given the tendency to do exactly that among former liberation movements-turned-governments in many countries with similar histories and socioeconomic inequalities.

Yet, despite the disaster that unfolded during the Zuma years, I still find it bizarre that so many in our country seem to...