By Staff Writer
01:10:2021

Political killings have increased in the run-up to the 1 November local government elections, especially in KwaZulu Natal. This has mainly been felt in the ruling ANC party as politicians jostle for power and resources. This will likely intensify as the ruling ANC loses seats. The Moerane commission investigated the roots of the killings and issued a report in 2018; however, little has changed since.
Meanwhile, the July looting and voter pity will likely play a role in the poll.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Dr Imraan Baccuss of ASRI noted the ANC’s good performance in recent by-elections in the province but argued that it would lose much at the polls due to growing disillusionment.

“Disillusionment with the ANC, particularly after the July riots…. [will] likely cause the ANC to take a beating at the polls [emphasis added].”

What may save the party, Dr Buccus argued, is the lack of a credible opposition. The DA has essentially imploded and is in crisis, while many see the Economic Freedom fighters as too radical.

Regarding the DA, Dr Buccus argued that the 2019 election indicated its proximity to the right-wing Freedom Front Plus. This shows its shunning of component, charismatic and skilled black leaders.

Further, many in the so-called majority ‘Indian’ areas may begin reconsidering their votes. Dr Buccus argued that something needed to change.

Inkatha’s performance in the 2019 election provided room for optimism for the party, as it begins to appeal to younger voters and move away from its supposed Zulu nationalist mantra, with Dr Buccus arguing that it may perform better than expected but that this was unpredictable.

Concerning the political killings, Buccus says the difference between those occurring now is due to patronage, compared to the ANC-IFP violence in the 1980s, which was driven by ideological contestation.

“They’re driven by the fact that people want access to the public purse because serving in local government means social mobility and people want access to resources and access to networks and to get that they would go all out and even if it means killing people who are contenders for that position.”

Last, the presence of independent candidates was noted, with Dr Buccus arguing that there would likely do well, especially as disillusionment with traditional parties grows. He also argued that it was perhaps time for social movements to begin deploying and nominating their candidates to rehabilitate the electoral process.

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