ActionSA raises concerns over racial and ethnic voting

ActionSA, a political party based in KwaZulu-Natal, has expressed concern over voters casting their ballots based on racial and ethnic lines, which ActionSA believes undermines democracy. This issue was highlighted by ActionSA KwaZulu-Natal leader Zwakele Mncwango, who spoke on Thursday, a day before the election timetable was announced by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa on Friday.

Mncwango noted that voters, particularly in the province, tend to vote along racial and tribal lines instead of selecting a political party based on its offerings. He argued that instead of voters focusing on a party's merits, many make their choices based on personal connections, such as loyalty to a specific individual, often a family member.

Additionally, Mncwango criticized voters for not thoroughly examining political parties' election manifestos. He observed that many voters are influenced by tradition and ethnicity, particularly in rural areas where support for a political party is often linked to its leadership, which typically aligns with the Zulu ethnic group.

Mncwango stated that new parties often cater to the interests of young people, but in rural areas, the influence of tradition and ethnicity poses a significant challenge for parties not led by Zulu individuals. He also noted that certain white or coloured-dominated political parties continue to garner the majority of votes from these communities, who perceive these races as their support base.

Despite ActionSA's inclusive approach, Mncwango acknowledged that ethnicity continues to be a significant obstacle to the party's support. The party, led by Herman Mashaba, is planning to release its election manifesto in KwaMashu, south of Durban, on Saturday. However, ActionSA is only contesting elections in eThekwini, KwaDukuza, Newcastle, and Nomgoma municipalities due to financial limitations, as launching its campaign across the entire province is currently unfeasible.

Mncwango pointed out that resources are scarce, and the party must manage its funds carefully to ensure a viable campaign. He hinted that if additional resources become available, ActionSA may consider expanding its impact to other areas, such as uMhlathuze and Msunduzi. On a separate note, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula addressed the media following a meeting of his party's national executive committee.

Mbalula announced that the ANC has revised its process for selecting mayoral candidates, moving away from a system where members nominate candidates. Instead, all mayoral candidates will be chosen based on the party's criteria and announced a week before the manifesto launch on 23 August in Johannesburg. Mbalula emphasized that the ANC has conducted thorough interviews and vetting processes to ensure candidates possess the necessary qualifications and skills to manage municipal finances effectively.

This change in the selection system aims to prevent the nomination of individuals who may later be involved in scandals. The announcement comes as the ANC is preparing to unveil its manifesto and showcase its accomplishments during the Southern African Development Community meeting in Durban, which Mbalula noted was postponed due to President Cyril Ramaphosa's attendance.

Mbalula also addressed the ongoing challenges faced by the ANC, particularly in Johannesburg, where the party lost control to a multiparty coalition a decade ago. He highlighted the issues that emerged post the loss, such as inadequate waste collection, potholes, and electricity shortages, which the ANC-led municipality has been working to address.