STEVEN FRIEDMAN: Never underestimate the grassroots voter
The results of the elections show that ordinary folk are very much more aware of the dynamics of politics than they are given credit for
Once again, most voters, often labelled unthinking by people in the suburbs, have shown that they can work out what is in their interests. This time, they did it by rejecting the ANC’s Zuma faction. But how do we know which faction voters support when, of course, they choose parties, not factions? The first evidence is the very poor showing of parties that in the public mind are identified with Zuma and his supporters. In contrast to 2009 and 2014, when only one party was formed by members of a faction that had lost an internal ANC battle, in this election there were three: the African Transformation Movement (ATM), which Mzwanele Manyi joined; Black Land First led by Andile Mngxitama; and the African Content Movement founded by Hlaudi Motsoeneng. The ATM won two seats, the others none. Between them, they received 0.58% of the vote. This is a tiny fraction of the Cope vote in 2009 and the EFF vote in 2014. The second is the result in the North West. There the ANC won just under 62%...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.