When politics become an economy: Jobs, decline of political purpose

In South Africa, the surge in political parties and the high unemployment rate have raised concerns about the role of politics in the economy. According to a 2022 tweet by Professor Busani Ngcaweni, "there's a correlation between rising unemployment & political decline," as many see elections as a way to gain income and secure economic opportunities.

With over 540 political parties vying for municipal seats in the 2026 Local Government Elections, and the City of Johannesburg hosting more than 75 parties, the issue is not whether South Africans should engage in politics, but whether the proliferation of political organizations is driven by a need for economic security. South Africa's unemployment rate stands at 33.6%, with youth unemployment at 47.4%, leaving millions of people without stable employment.

In this environment, some may view politics as a means to achieve recognition, influence, and economic stability, potentially leading to a decline in the quality of political leadership and the ability of political institutions to address society's pressing challenges. The focus should be on restoring the distinction between political service and political accumulation, and ensuring that political organizations contribute to building a society where people can live with dignity, participate productively, and access opportunities beyond the political arena.