Directly electing SA's president - a good idea until you unpack it

State Capture Inquiry Chairperson Raymond Zondo set tongues wagging when he suggested in his final report that “consideration be given to making the necessary constitutional amendments to ensure that the president of the country is elected directly by the people”. University of Cape Town Political Studies Professor Anthony Butler explains to BizNews that while it may seem like a good idea in theory, in reality it is incredibly complex and has significant pitfalls. Butler goes on to give a masterclass in electoral systems, providing some snippets of what 2024 may bring from a coalition perspective. As the author of biography, Cyril Ramaphosa: The Road to Presidential Power, Butler also has some parting words on his impressions of Ramaphosa's presidency to date and whether his "reform agenda" will be implemented should he win a second term. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices