For the first time in history, South Africa will allow independent candidates to run in next week’s national elections, following a landmark court ruling last year.
Among these candidates is Anele Mda, a former African National Congress (ANC) activist who left the party in 2008 to help form the Congress of the People (COPE).
Despite initially securing over 7% of the national vote and becoming the second largest opposition party, COPE lost support due to internal conflicts, dwindling from 30 parliamentary seats in 2009 to just two in 2019.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Mda expressed her disillusionment with political parties, criticizing them for prioritizing party interests over the people’s needs.
As she campaigns across the country, Mda emphasizes the urgent need to tackle corruption in government and state-owned enterprises.
A recent court ruling has lowered the signature requirement for independent candidates from over 11,000 to 1,000, making it easier for independents to enter the race.
This change is seen as a step towards enhancing South Africa’s democracy. With over 27 million registered voters, this election marks the country’s seventh fully democratic national election since 1994.
The ANC, which has governed since the end of apartheid 30 years ago, is expected to lose significant support amid growing voter dissatisfaction.
A record 70 parties and 10 independent candidates are competing for 400 parliamentary seats, with a minimum of 201 votes needed to elect the president.
Mda expressed disappointment that, despite 30 years of democracy, the majority of Black South Africans remain poor.
She advocates for serious economic reforms, highlighting that current government policies disproportionately benefit white South Africans. Despite South Africa being Africa’s most advanced economy, it suffers from the world’s highest unemployment rate at 32%, with over half of its population living in poverty.
“We need leaders who will not merely occupy office but will drive substantial change and Black empowerment unapologetically,” Mda stated.
