Should South African Voters Choose Competence Over Race?

Published 2026-11-06

A recent article in the Mail & Guardian asks South African voters to think less about race when they choose a political party. The writer argues that voting based on competence rather than racial identity could change how parties behave. The article was published as an opinion piece, so it reflects the author's views rather than the newspaper's position.

The main argument is that when voters stop relying on race, political parties may need to earn their support in other ways. According to the article, this pressure could push parties to deliver better public services, such as water, electricity, and healthcare. It could also encourage them to focus on creating jobs, which remains a serious challenge in South Africa, where unemployment is high. In addition, the writer suggests that parties might work harder to build safer communities, an issue that many residents raise when they talk about crime.

The article also places this idea within the wider history of South African politics. Since the end of apartheid in 1994, many people have voted along racial and historical lines, and this has shaped the country's political landscape. The writer's suggestion is that a shift toward judging parties by their performance could make elections more about governance and less about identity. The article does not claim that this change would happen quickly or easily.

The piece is one contribution to an ongoing discussion about how South Africans should choose their leaders. Readers may agree or disagree with the writer's position, but the article invites them to consider what they expect from political parties. As the country approaches future elections, questions about service delivery, employment, and safety are likely to remain central to the debate.

Sources: Mail & Guardian

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