Analyst: New community parties can shape local politics if they evolve beyond protest

Smaller, community-formed political parties can influence local government, but only if they develop the capacity to govern, says a university researcher reacting to a new Merafong-based party.

New party set to contest local elections

The One Merafong Organisation (OMO) was launched as a political party last week and will be contesting the upcoming local government elections. The party was formed by community leaders who have been leading the Merafong service delivery protests over government failures, including lack of water and related problems.

OMO’s secretary-general, Buti Elliot Mtembu, described the group as a community-led movement focused on empowering residents and amplifying their voices.

“This is a community-led movement established to empower residents and amplify their voices. The launch marks a crucial step in mobilising collective action and creating a sustainable future,”

Mtembu said.

Analyst: community groups can be pressure points but governing is harder

Prof Theo Neethling, a research fellow in the department of political studies and governance at the University of the Free State, said residents’ associations should not be underestimated, though their prospects must not be exaggerated.

Neethling noted that South African politics remains largely structured around political parties, which have the organisational machinery, resources and electoral reach needed to contest elections effectively. He said growing voter frustration with poor service delivery and political infighting has opened space for civic organisations to exert influence.

According to Neethling, the main effect of these civic formations may be to act as catalysts for accountability rather than immediately winning outright control of municipalities. He said their ability to transition from protest platforms into governing platforms is the key test.

“Those civic movements that successfully make this transition could become key players in coalition politics and local governance. Those that do not are likely to remain pressure groups rather than lasting political alternatives,”

Neethling added that while political parties still dominate the electoral arena, the era in which they enjoyed an uncontested monopoly over local representation appears to be drawing to a close.

Shifting political landscape

Neethling also said the political environment is changing as the decline of support for large parties, particularly the ANC in many urban areas, has created space for independents, civic organisations and local movements.