Questioning the relevance of smaller opposition political parties

During President Jacob Zuma’s visit to greater Durban, ahead of the 7 May elections, he expressed the view that “it’s cold outside the ANC”. Opposition political parties were criticised for making empty promises, as they have not been in government and will not become government, perhaps signalling their irrelevance. It is no coincidence that the ANC is indirectly responsible for the formation of many political parties, adding uniqueness to South Africa's democracy. In 1959, the PAC was formed as a breakaway party of the ANC. In 2003, Patricia de Lille left the PAC to form the ID, later merging with the DA. In 2008, shortly after former President Thabo Mbeki was recalled, the Congress of the People (COPE) was established. In 2012, after being expelled as the ANC Youth League President, Julius Malema established the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in 2013.

The words “it's cold outside the ANC” has rung true for many of the smaller parties. In the 2009 national elections, COPE received 7.42% of the vote, the ID 0.92% and the PAC 0.27%. Since the 1994 national elections, smaller parties have increasingly lost support and these smaller parties have been characterised by internal division, creating the impression that a further decline in their support can be expected.

In April 2014, the PAC told Nelson Mandela Bay residents that the party was ready to govern if given a chance. However, the PAC has only recently solved a leadership dispute that has been ongoing since 2012 between its former President Letlapa Mphahlele and its new leader Alton Mphethi. The PAC’s regional organiser Mawande Mkonto admitted that the PAC "has not been visible enough", but assured the electorate that since its leadership dispute is now settled, PAC is ready to govern.

COPE has been plagued by a four-year dispute between its founding members, Mosiuoa Lekota and Mbhazima Shilowa. It continues to face internal strife with the recent departure of 19 prominent COPE members who rejoined the ANC. The ANC was quick to point out that they were returning to their “natural political home”.

Voter support for EFF and Agang still needs to be tested and it is early days for intra-party disputes in their ranks. However, it is clear that the seemingly inevitable internal challenges in the smaller political parties as well as their limited influence and voter support, make it cold to be outside the ANC and those who have left, often return to the ANC.

The leader of the largest opposition party, Helen Zille, addressed a rally at the Seeisoville stadium outside Kroonstad, saying that voting for a small party is a wasted vote. Instead the electorate should strengthen the DA's support in Parliament.

The leader of the small African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), Kenneth Meshoe, addressed supporters in Kwamakhutha, in Durban, saying he opposed the DA’s argument that South Africans should not vote for small parties. He said South Africa needs diverse political parties. A News24 article on "The role of small parties in a democratic South Africa ", states that small parties cater for and represent South Africa's diverse cultures, and also gives the electorate more voting options. The article notes further that the ACDP, as a Christian party can showcase itself as a "morally transparent alternative" to the ANC, which faces corruption scandals.

On 25 April 2014, smaller political party leaders from COPE, IFP and UDM participated in a Wits Great Debate in Parktown. They saw their role as not only to represent the electorate with an alternative to the ANC and the DA, but also to hold government accountable, and ensure that the voices of minority groups are heard. However, smaller political party leaders criticised a skewed political party funding system, which meant the continued dominance of the large parties, the ANC and DA.

It is clear that small opposition parties do have a role to play within South Africa even though their support is small. And the Vukani! Sidikwe! campaign led by disaffected ANC members has also put a spotlight on the smaller political parties in the 2014 Elections as the campaign urges voters to either spoil their ballot or vote for a small opposition party.

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