Cheslyn Daniels warns parties not to confuse influencer reach with governing ability

Political parties in Cape Town are increasingly turning to DJs, content creators, and social media influencers as candidates for the upcoming municipal elections in November 2026. While this trend has raised concerns about whether a large online following can equate to the ability to govern, Cheslyn Daniels, the Cape Town mayoral candidate for the Patriotic Alliance, has warned against equating social media reach with governing ability.

Daniels argues that while social media reach is becoming more important in candidate selection, it should not be mistaken for the capacity to govern effectively. He emphasizes that these influencers often possess a deep understanding of their communities and can communicate complex issues in an accessible manner. Daniels believes that parties are using these influencers to better connect with voters, but stresses that the real challenge lies in ensuring that these candidates are properly prepared, supported, and held accountable for their actions.

He warns against assuming that social media popularity automatically translates to competence, and instead calls for a focus on demonstrating competence and addressing voters' concerns about the ability of these influencers to govern effectively.