SACP concerned about ethnic populism rise that affects voting patterns in SA
In its discussion documents for its upcoming elective conference, the SACP says the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s electoral successes were primarily driven by ethnic populism and identity politics.
FILE: A voting station sign during voter registration. Picture: EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Communist Party (SACP) has raised concerns over the rise of ethnic populism, saying political parties have exploited it to gain votes during the May 29th elections.
In its discussion documents for its upcoming elective conference, the SACP says the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party’s electoral successes were primarily driven by ethnic populism and identity politics.
The document also emphasises the MK Party's reliance on identity politics to attract votes could have serious implications.
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In the 2024 general election, KwaZulu-Natal became the MK Party's largest voting bloc, and it emerged dominant in the province with 45% of the vote.
The party also expanded its influence in Mpumalanga, securing second place behind the ANC with 15%.
Both provinces are predominantly Nguni-speaking.
In its discussion documents, the SACP highlights the serious concern that the MK Party is using ethnic populism to expand its electoral support.
The SACP argues that this approach is divisive and undermines nation-building by politicising ethnicity for the MK Party’s benefit.