Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
26 April 2024 | 11:49 a.m. SAST
1-minute read

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The upcoming elections in South Africa, set to take place on May 29, 2024, is expected to be influenced to some extent by Israel’s current onslaught on Palestine, particularly among the Muslim electorate.

“I think usually domestic issues are what dictate electoral choices and I think it will continue to be like that to a large extent. But I also think for the first time a foreign policy issue is going to impact significantly on the upcoming election,” Dr Imraan Buccus, senior research associate at the Auwal Socieconomic Research Institute (ASRI) said earlier today on Radio Islam International.

The ANC’s stance on Palestine is based on the party’s historical solidarity with liberation movements, particularly the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

“[It is not that] the ANC have done this to garner greater support in the Muslim community… Principally the ANC’s position on Palestine is about its international solidarity with a fellow liberation movement, historically the PLO,” Dr Buccus notes.

Admiration among Muslims for the ANC’s stance on Palestine can potentially influence Muslim voters’ support.

However, concerns were raised about the ANC’s ability to address internal issues, particularly corruption. Dr Buccus acknowledged disillusionment with the ANC among various segments of society, including Muslims, citing unresolved corruption allegations as a significant factor.

Moreover, the interview explored the diversification of political choices beyond traditional party lines, with smaller players like Rise Mzansi potentially benefitting from disillusionment with the ANC and other major parties.

Despite doubts about the ANC’s revitalisation, Dr Buccus noted President Ramaphosa’s commitment to renewal but expressed scepticism due to persisting leadership challenges and concerns about the party’s non-racial project.

“I’m not convinced about the revitalisation of the ANC, but there’s a huge caveat. I think one is Ramaphosa is really committed to this project of renewal in the ANC… But I think the ANC has been overwhelmed with the kind of poor leadership, particularly at provincial and local level, and that kind of leadership that’s focused primarily on looting the public purse… [In addition] I think that non-racial project is being rescued by people like Ramaphosa,” Dr Buccus said.

Time will tell what the interplay between electoral issues, foreign policy and societal perceptions in South Africa truly are.

Listen to the ASRI Report on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany here.