Are we elections ready?
The 2024 South African General Elections (2024 elections) will be held in South Africa on 29 May 2024 to elect a new National Assembly as well as the provincial legislature in each province. As the country fast approaches these 2024 elections, there is a perception that many of South African citizens are looking forward to this day, and of course the results thereof. Some desperately looking for what seems to be a much-needed change, while others are adamant on an unchanged status quo. Whatever the choice of the individual is, ours as the risk practitioners, is to facilitate a process of ensuring that the objectives of the elections are met, which includes adequate preparations for the elections, the actual election process, and credible election results (elections process).
When considering our roles and responsibilities in this regard, it is important to recognise that they include more than just our duties within our respective organisations, but extend to include our roles and responsibilities as citizens, family members, members of society, and employees in both the public and private sector.
We, therefore, need to ensure the election process is a success in all aspects, particularly in our roles and responsibilities as risk practitioners. One of the methods of achieving this is by facilitating the identification and assessment of risks within our respective organisations and ensuring that the risks that could jeopardise the election process are identified, assessed, and communicated to the relevant role players, individuals, and structures.
Fortunately, there is a number of credible sources that have already identified common risk factors, that could be used as a basis to identify risks that may affect our organisations.
These risk factors are:
- Economic concerns emanating from uncertainty on election outcomes.
- Social unrest that could be triggered by election-related tensions.
- Political instability.
- Ethnic and tribal dynamics that could heighten tensions in the run up to and during elections.
- Electoral integrity – real and perceived.
- Regional and global influences.
In the process of contributing towards an effective and efficient election process, risk practitioners should also consider the following:
- Do I understand my role as a citizen and as a risk practitioner at my organisation in contributing to a successful and safe election process?
- Have I identified all risks relating to the election process that are relevant to me as an individual and to my organisation, and communicated the outcomes of the risk assessment effectively?
- Have I communicated any risks identified that are external to my organisation to the relevant officials or structures outside my organisation (through the proper and effective communication channels)?
- Have I ensured that there is a business continuity plan in my organisation that will ensure continuation post-election, and has it been communicated to all stakeholders?
- Have I collaborated efforts in addressing the identified risks, both internally and externally?
- Have I optimised opportunities that may arise from the election process?
As we get closer to the elections it is important to recognise the imperative role that we play as risk practitioners in supporting the success and integrity of the elections.
Written by:
Totyelwa Dodo
Sources:
National Treasury: Public Sector Risk Management Forum – 22 March 2024
Lucidum: Presentation on the 2024 South African General Elections.,