ELECTION UPDATE 2004

number 6 · 12 April 2004

editorial undecided voters. On the other Party Liaison Committees (c) hand, the sword was aimed at Conflict Management Panels, Party campaigning for the April disorganising other opposition (d) The Electoral Court and (e) election has been both parties, especially the new the Constitutional Court. In interesting and intriguing. (ID), as dealing with conflict these Interesting from the standpoint it seemed to pose a potential structures rely on the Electoral that political parties, especially threat to the DA’s opposition Act and the Code of Conduct. the ruling party, spiced the status. In both cases, the DA’s campaign with face-to-face grand strategy has been to drive Khabele Matlosa contact of leaders with the South Africa’s political system ordinary voters through road away from a dominant party shows and impromptu visits to system towards a duopoly or communities by President two party system. . contents So, in a nutshell, there have The process has also been fairly generally been two types of Editorial 1 intriguing in that not only do electioneering - namely a National Perspectives the manifestos of the parties delivery-based campaign by the Campaign 2004 2 look pretty much the same as ruling ANC and combative Debates and Viewpoints they raise similar kinds of politicking by the official Management of Election-Related issues, but a vilification opposition. The other parties in Conflict: A Case Study of South campaign seemed to be the the election race have tended to Africa 5 order of the day. Opposition use strategies in between these Provincial Roundup parties seemed devoid of two polar opposites. 9 NorthWest Province 11 credible or justifiable campaign Irrespective of whatever Limpopo 13 issues in their challenge of the campaign strategy parties have adopted, the stark reality is that KZN 15 ANC’s ten-year dominance. 20 the electioneering has been marked more by identity 23 On the contrary, the ANC Eastern Cape 26 avoided the combative politics and less by issue Northern Cape 29 campaign strategy adopted by politics. Be that as it may, it is Mpumalanga 32 the official opposition DA. encouraging however that the Previous Issue Contents 35 Instead, the ANC’s focus was electioneering has not been Chronology 4 36 on its achievements over the marked by violent conflict with past ten years and its the exception of fairly isolated programme of action for the cases in Kwazulu-. next ten years through what the EISA Editorial Team party termed “a people’s As we have indicated in one of the previous issues of this Jackie Kalley, Khabele contract”. It is worth noting that Matlosa, Denis Kadima the DA’s combative strategy Update, there are various structures in South Africa that was double edged sword. On published with the assistance the one hand, the sword aimed deal specifically with election- of OSF-SA and NORAD to disorganise the ruling party related conflicts and these with a view to catching possible include (a) the IEC, (b) the Election update 2004 south africa number 6

NATIONAL PERSPECTIVES

CAMPAIGN 2004 sad thing is that this hostility of polarisation and undue did not seek to bolster nation tension in our society. Sadly Chris Landsberg building; it was done more to therefore, the much Centre for Policy Studies woo votes at any cost. celebrated 10 year mark of our democracy will be a While many parties have rather short cause for Ours is still a young and gone on the charming celebration, because, after fragile democracy; race offensive by taking to the the party on 27 April, we all relations are still tenderly streets, villages, townships, come down to earth and have delicate, coming as we do and suburban South Africa, to confront the realities of from centuries of racism and the messages to voters was this society, including the white minority domination. that ‘the other bunch’ should newly caused polarisations. Indeed, outright racism has not be trusted. Even though The key point is that race been replaced by lots of in the main, the messages relations remain an open sore racism of the subtle type, from the soap-boxes and in this country, and the which plays itself out around Imbizos tried to be sensitive current elections campaign the braaivleis fire and liquid to the explosive issue of race does little to heal the wound. dinner tables. The point is, in our country, we should even though by law, we are remember that racial After the party we will have now an inclusive nation, it identities play a role more to make sense of the will take many decades, even than any other factor in this continuous call for centuries, to address the election. The majority of ‘transformation’, the anger national question, and build citizens are likely to cast and embitterment of some; a truly united South Africa. their votes on the basis of the need for clean and One way to lay the racial, ethnic and other incorrupt politics, the need groundwork and deal with identities, and racial and for taxation, the crime, and this fragile, divided nation ethnic divisions thus play a so forth. will be to tackle the national crucial role. Unfortunately, question with due sensitivity we may discover in the post- Some have been so obsessed and understanding. One of election environment that, with the ruling party’s the questions needed to be because of the irresponsible dominance that they have asked about the 2004 campaign pursued by many complicated the prospects election campaign concerns politicians, the images and for the politics of what its impact will be on perceptions of `white’ fear, reconciliation and nation- the national question. Put ‘white superiority’ and building. Many have even differently, did the 2004 baaskap’, `’, forgotten to concern campaign help to reinforce ‘Xhosa hegemony’, themselves with the or to undermine nation `coloured’ uncertainty, electorate and got stuck with building in South Africa? `Zulu-assertiveness’, ‘Indian the governing party’s power This year’s campaign, unlike marginalisation’, and and developed a view that the previous two have been certainly fear of the tyranny such power should be characterised by such of the majority, or tyranny of curtailed. There has been so acrimony, bitter attacks and the black majority will be much animosity built up rivalry that we will only start reinforced. The election between the ruling party and to feel the negative campaign, and the manner in the official opposition, that it implications long after the which certain political elites has become almost dust of 2004 has settled. The behaved and scorned one impossible for them to have another, will have the result a constructive working

2 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 relationship in the short to populism, it should expect its Welkom in the Free State, a medium, maybe even the constituencies to hold it second visit to this region. long-term. firmly to the pledge of a Braving the intense heat, the people’s contract. While President was confronted Some others have even parties and actors such as the with grievances on his resorted to the politics of Congress of South African arrival. He acknowledged the desperation as they made the Trade Union (COSATU), government’s shortcomings prospect of a third term by and SACP have been but he also pointed a finger Mbeki a key election plank vociferous in calling for the at councillors who were not yet he had not even started people to go out in their doing their work. his second term. This, at millions and vote for the times, came across as `swart ANC, they are similarly The official opposition - the gevaar’ politics. Then there sending a message to the DA - does itself no was the scare, not of a weak ANC that ‘we intend holding with its Fight-Back and fragmented opposition, you faithful to your pledges’. philosophy. To most blacks but of a dominant party state, They will also be some of this approach means even a one party state. The the harshest critics of ANC reversing the gains of point is that instead of policies, as they were during freedom including gains as a examining their own the first five years. The ANC result of affirmative action weaknesses, many will have to be careful about and black economic opposition parties deflected the kinds of tensions with empowerment. To workers, attention to the ruling party. social movements. In the the fight-back philosophy of The one important message past, tension between the the DA means flexible sent out here was that of fear ANC and social movements labour market policy and – fear about the future of has been marked by a lot of more privatisation and democracy; fear that Mbeki mutual recrimination and commercialisation of public may be a power monger of dubbing each other `neo- enterprises and social sorts. Again, there are almost liberals’ and `ultra-leftists’. services. Any party that certainly to be unintended There will almost certainly advocates a minimalist state consequences of such have to be the need for the and reliance on market as the messages, not only to the ANC to develop a thick skin most efficient medium of voters but also because it against criticism, as well as allocating resources which could undermine both becoming more tolerant to will entrench existing national and international dissenting voices. The ruling income and wealth confidence in the country. party will have to start to inequalities along racial and One of the scariest messages appreciate that critical debate gender lines, will not endear sent out by some was that the and discourse is healthy for a itself to majority of the ANC intends to suppress society such as ours. voters, especially those who minority political parties. have been at the receiving President Thabo Mbeki has end of social, There will also be some come out strongly against economic and political important consequences for those councillors who are not exclusion. the ANC. While the ANC in contact with the people. appeared determined to build He says the confidence Somebody clearly advised on its Imbizo campaigns by shown by people towards the the DA leader that he should selling the idea of ‘a ANC demands that the pursue an aggressive people’s contract’ to the councillors should be campaign as an alternative citizenry, and fought a responsible. President Mbeki governing party or a campaign that will be braved the scorching heat to government in waiting - that remembered for its lack of take his election campaign to he should behave like a

3 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 classical conservative party Leon said the number of mistakes and missed member from Europe, a households with no income opportunities, missed liberal party; go on the whatsoever in the area rose opportunities to reach out to attack, expose poor from about three thousand to and placate minorities. They governance, and portray 9-thousand since 1994. The are very sentimental over itself as the future DA leader said that high their Taal. Interestingly, both government. crime rate in the area was as these parties say they are a result of high committed to critical but It is in this respect that I unemployment. constructive opposition. have used the term minority They have been campaigning parties. For a party to be The IFP leader Mangosuthu vigorously to woo voters termed an opposition, it must Buthelezi has been bitter and away from NNP and DA envision and organise itself angry over the ANC’s failure support. Even through both as an alternative governing to keep the 1994 promise of said they target minorities in party. This is currently international mediation and general, these parties have lacking in South Africa. The floor-crossing. He focused targeted the Afrikaans smaller parties have not strongly on HIV and AIDS, speaking market. organised and envisioned by lashing out at the ANC themselves as alternative over its management of the governing parties. At best HIV-AIDS crisis. Speaking they are pressure groups and at the launch of his party’s do not see themselves as position on the pandemic, constituting government in Buthelezi questioned the the future. ruling party’s policy on treatment for the disease. Instead of toying with the The IFP claimed it is leading politics of fear, politicians the field in fighting the should focus on real issues scourge. It started and above all appeal to the distributing anti-retroviral voters, their identities and drugs to prevent mother-to interests, and let the votes child transmission in ultimately decide. Kwazulu-Natal long before the government was forced The DA has also used race in by the courts to do so. The an interesting way by being IFP says it would treat staunchly anti-affirmative HIV/Aids as a national action. has said priority by promoting that people of Indian origin abstinence, assisting AIDS are being discriminated orphans and providing anti- against through the retroviral drugs. implementation of government’s affirmative The action policies. Leon was leader, and addressing an election rally Nasionale Aksie (NA) said in Phoenix, one of the there are parties are not biggest Indian townships. He afraid to tackle the ruling told the mainly unemployed ANC head-on in the coming audience that government election. Their election policies such as affirmative campaign will broadly action do not benefit them. concentrate on the ANC’s

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DEBATES AND VIEWPOINTS

MANAGEMENT weak economic and civil identist partisan divisions”, OF ELECTION- society structures. When one and this phenomenon was is not in politics, there is no most visible in Kwazulu- RELATED other avenue where one Natal. Having being part of CONFLICTS could use one’s other skills. the 1994 electoral process in A CASE STUDY OF This also results in an Kwazulu-Natal, one SOUTH AFRICA unstable post election period. observed how some of the Even within the SADC sub- leaders’ campaigns were Titi Pitso region, some countries identist-connoted. The result experienced political was bloodshed where about African Centre for the conflicts and electoral 30 000 people died because Constructive Resolution of tensions, many of which kept of political violence. South smouldering for months after Africans never forgot the Disputes (ACCORD) the electoral event itself. bloody run-up to the 1994 Clear examples are elections. Through the 1996 Zimbabwe and Zambia, Electoral Commission Act Introduction where there are still and the Electoral Act of Democracy in Africa has outstanding litigations 1998, the government took recently been the concern of regarding alleged unfairness note of this phenomena and both the international in the election process. this resulted in electoral legal community and African instruments such as the Code nationals themselves. This From my experience as an of Conduct and regulations has been confirmed by a electoral official, I have on Party Liaison Committees number of international and observed that tensions being put in place. domestic observer missions around elections have participating in most of the centred on the different Constructive Management elections conducted on the phases of the electoral of Election-related continent. To their discredit, process with specific Conflicts several African states, have references to rules that guide failed to provide a stable the elections, process that It has always been said that political and electoral precedes the elections, the best way of bringing environment where citizens application of the same rules about government is through feel free to exercise their as well as the scope that the ballot and not the bullet. right to vote for whoever allow for the adjudication of An election process is widely they choose. potential electoral disputes. seen as an alternative means The exclusionist character of to violence in achieving In some African countries elections in Africa has now governance. There are many winning elections is a matter been recognised as one of ways which could be used to of life and death. The race the sources of election ensure that election-related for state power means access related conflicts. conflicts are well-managed to wealth as the government or are pre-empted. It would is the major or only In the case of South Africa, be advisable for the employment agency. Losing election-related violence, workshop participants to elections means being particularly during the 1994 read the Norms and unemployment and this is elections could be Standards for Observing more clearly seen in categorised as what Anastase Election in the SADC as this countries where there are termed the “excessively document covers most of the

5 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 methods by which elections voters begins at the voter dealing with party liaison related conflicts can be registration process. The committees, ensuring that avoided or managed. To voter registration process parties are consulted mention a few key processes must ensure that every throughout the electoral which could ensure eligible voter is registered process. The process has substantially conflict-free and mechanisms should be been extended to other elections, the following key put in place to ensure that on stakeholders such as the processes must be voting day, voters are able to NGOs and other interested transparent and accountable: vote in cases where an groupings working in the Electoral Commission has field of elections including The Legal Framework unintentionally not added the religious formations, the name of the voter to the media and the security The Constitution and the voters roll. Voters must be agencies. electoral laws of a country given ample time to inspect must be written in such as so the voters’ roll before voting Party Liaison Committees to ensure the inalienable day. Sufficient time must be in South Africa right of citizens of a country given to the process of to participate by means of claims and objection. Voter free, credible and democratic registration must be a The South African political process. In addition, continuous process. Political Constitution entrenches the in order to level the playing parties must, where possible, principle of multiparty fields, the rules and be given a copy of the final democracy through the Bill regulations must apply fairly voters’ roll. of Rights. The Independent to all political parties and Electoral Commission’s candidates. Role of the Courts mandate to strengthen constitutional democracy is Electoral Management Electoral petition tribunals being developed within this Body must be established in good framework. In order to build time and these must be well- confidence and trust in the The integrity of the Electoral funded. My experience in Electoral Commission, the Management Body (EMB) observing elections in Commission has powers must not be in doubt and this Nigeria was that electoral vested in it by Section 5(1) applies to all electoral petition tribunals were set up (g) of the Electoral stakeholders. It must not be very late, and this caused a Commission Act, 1996 seen as tool to advantage the delay in the processing of established and maintained ruling party. The election petitions. Party Liaison Committees composition of the electoral for the purpose of facilitating management body must be liaison and cooperation. The Role of Other Party Liaison Committees, agreed upon by all the Stakeholders electoral stakeholders and which have been established must guarantee by some kind at national, provincial and of the legal framework. The All electoral stakeholders local levels, ensure inclusion EMBs must be well funded must be included in the of the major electoral so that they can execute their electoral process. This could stakeholders through mandate in timeously. be covered by the electoral consultation, and in turn, law or regulation. The encourage thorough Voter Registration Process Electoral Commission of transparency by the South Africa has Commission while at the Electoral practitioners are successfully been able to same time it allows for well aware of the fact that come up with regulations demonstration of the disenfranchisement of

6 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 bureaucratic efficiency and the Provincial Leadership related disputes that do not competence. Political parties Forum and the Kwazulu- involve violence. are key players in supporting Natal NGO Election Forum, the electoral process hence and the Conflict Lessons for the SADC their understanding of all Management Committees. In Region activities pertaining to all these structures the election management and Electoral Commission was a One of the most important legislation is critical. participant and this ensured lessons for the SADC free flow of information Region is to learn from each In short, the Electoral from the Commission to the others’ election experiences. Commission of South Africa, electoral stakeholders and There is a wealth of through the Party Liaison vice versa. It must be borne experience within our Committee regulations, has in mind that the Commission electoral management bodies put in place mechanisms to was not forced to engage all and this can be seen in the ensure that political parties stakeholders other than way in which our elections are consulted throughout the parties, but for the sake of have been substantially different phases of the transparency, the without major problems, electoral process. The Commission extended the with an exception or one or Commission convenes Party Liaison Committee two countries. consultative meetings with process to these parties either bi-weekly or on stakeholders. With all these Sharing of resources by a monthly basis. This stakeholders involved, the electoral management bodies process is done at national, opportunity to engage in could also reduce the cost of provincial and local level. political violence was managing elections. These These meetings serve as decreased. I am deliberately resources might take the consultative forums for the stating “decreased” as there form of personnel, technical IEC. Each party sends two were some areas in advisors or equipment. We representatives to these Kwazulu-Natal referred to as have to come up with meetings. no-go areas and hotspots as agreements within electoral late as the 2000 local management bodies and government elections. The encourage NGOs working in In Kwazulu-Natal, these violence however, has the field of elections to structures have worked very substantially decreased in second staff to assist in other well. It will be remembered comparison to the 1994, countries during elections,. that it is one of the provinces 1996, 1999 elections. This should preferably not be that experienced the highest from one single commission political killings during the From my experience, one or electoral management run-up to the 1994 elections. can say that dealing with body, but from each EMB The province is well-known political violence during within SADC. for political violence during elections in a country that election time. My has just come out of a Having observed several observations after working conflict situation, is a elections within the SADC there since the 1994 to the process and this might take sub-region, it is evident that 2000 elections, is that I have time to resolve. Civic there is a need to take a cue seen a decline in election education, voter education from the NEPAD processes. related conflicts and one can and setting up conflict We should begin to attribute this to Party Liaison management structures for standardise the election Committees as well the example, could assist in process within the sub- process extended to other moving the process to region either in the manner structures such as the ECCO, reasonable levels of election in which we manage or

7 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 observe elections. There are NEWS FLASH! The ANC has campaigned available documents ,such as intensively with an eye to the Norms and Standards for VOTERS TO MAKE increasing its majority, which is now just short of the two thirds Observing Elections in the SILENT MARK AFTER SADC region by the SADC mark. House visits, rallies and POLL FURY AND the presentation of President Parliamentary Forum, THUNDER Principles for Election Mbeki as a caring leader sensitive to the needs of his Management, Monitoring ANC win sure, Western people were elements of the and Observation (PEMMO) Cape and KwaZulu Up for ANC’s campaign. In his last by EISA and the Electoral Grabs, DA’s Future on the letter in ANC Today before the Commissions Forum (ECF) Line poll, Mbeki called for SA to and many other documents Linda Ensor unite behind the ANC and work on the continent that could towards a shared destiny. He assist us in these processes. Political parties wound up their characterised the call for a As a sub-region, we need to eight week election campaign strong opposition as a find a way of contributing to yesterday [12 April] in a last- polarising attempt to entrench the Africa Peer Review ditch stand to woo voters ahead “national division as the very Mechanism by adhering to of voting tomorrow. but with essence of our democracy.” best practices and principles election day taking place in the In a replying salvo, DA leader with a view to midst of Easter holidays, and Tony Leon said he found institutionalising democracy voter apath widespread, one of the key factors to be scrutinised Mbeki’s view of democracy and governance. after the poll will not only be “disturbing and distorted” as it how the voters cast their votes labelled anyone who disagreed but in what numbers. with the ANC as a proponent of division. Surveys identified a high level of apathy and of undecided IFP leader, Mangosuthu voters galvanising parties to Buthelezi rallied his supporters, make sure that voters turned up. saying that SA could do better With the ANC’s dominance than under the ANC. assured, opposition parties have been left to fight among The new kid on the block, themselves over scraps, with ’s Independent little chance of making Democrats was a particular significant into ANC support. target for the DA as the two Various surveys suggest that parties exchanged shots over the ANC will get more than the extent of support for the ID, 66% of the vote. Of critical which some surveys suggest importance will be how voters will win 0.9% of the vote. The decide the balance of power in party itself is hoping for KwaZulu-Natal and Western between 5 % and 10%. Cape. The New National Party could Opposition parties have focused shed support, particularly their election campaighns on among the whites, to the DA.. the failure of government delivery in key areas – job creation, slow economic growth, the fight against HIV/AIDS, crime and poverty Excerpted from Business Day, 12 alleviation – and promised to April 2004 do better.

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PROVINCIAL ROUNDUP

GAUTENG

Political 2004, the minister has Over and above these, the Violence and singled out Thembisa, Service Katlehong and Thokoza on (SAPS) and the South Intimidation: the East Rand as places that African National Defence Role of Security will be monitored closely. Force (SANDF) will be on Forces in This short piece attempts to hand in all the province’s Gauteng. investigate the role of the voting stations to take security forces and the control of the situation. To Sydney Letsholo Independent Electoral prove this, government has Electoral Institute of Commission (IEC) during moved to cancel the leave of Southern Africa this pressing time. thousands of security officials to ensure that they 4 The Challenges are on duty on April 14. . Introduction Furthermore, the IEC in The IEC remains adamant Gauteng has said that Elections are the cornerstone that all systems are in place security officers would be of democracy1. April 14 for 14 April 2004. deployed with extra 2004 will witness South Furthermore, it has manpower in the hot spot Africa participate in its third mentioned that none of the municipalities of Ekurhuleni, non-racial and democratic logistical problems that Emfuleni, Westonaria and elections since 1994. As the maybe encountered on the Kungwini. Matlaopane period draws nearer, political day of the election will be asserts that “members of the parties in Gauteng are beyond its control. SAPS will be all over, in putting the final touches into According to the Provincial uniform or not. I don’t think Electoral Officer (PEO), that there is opportunity for their campaigns. Gauteng is 5 the biggest voting province, Gugu Matlaopane, the anyone to create problems” . with a quarter of the number of voting stations in Matlaopane further noted registered voters in the the province had increased, that unlike the position in country2.In terms of political and more than 30 000 1994, Gauteng enters this violence and intimidation, election workers would be year’s election with no major deployed around the political conflict. Positive Gauteng is relatively 3 peaceful when compared to province on election day . signs, especially the heavy other provinces such as Measures that have been put deployment of security Kwazulu-Natal. However, in place by the IEC in officials, indicate that the Intelligence Minister dealing with cases of election day will be has noted violence and intimidation relatively calm and stable. that there are some parts of include the following: the province where problems • Code of Conduct Since elections are a hotly of political violence and • Conflict Management contested battle, it is worth intimidation might be Panels mentioning that no matter experienced. According to • Party Liaison the Sowetan of 20 February Committees; and 4 Misbach, W. 2004. “Thousands • Electoral Court of cops will be on duty to on duty on April 14 to ensure free, fair 1 http//:www.eisa.org.za polls”, Sowetan, 20 February. 2 http//: www.mg.co.za 3 Ibid 5 http//:www.mg.co.za

9 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 how tight the security, there the caution that they deserve. is always going to be If the IEC’s promise of dissatisfaction from providing all the polling contesting political parties in stations with adequate terms of the election security forces, election outcome. If parties lodge a officials and relevant complaint with the IEC election materials is fulfilled, regarding the outcome of the the voting process is bound election, the IEC in Gauteng, to be free and fair and most as in all the other provinces, importantly, peaceful in has mechanisms through Gauteng. However, it is not which the dispute can be only the responsibility of the settled. If the conflict can be IEC and the security officials mediated, the IEC has to ensure that there is no recourse to the Conflict violence on the day of the Management Committee. elections. Contesting This Committee comprises political parties, some with a priests, lawyers, educators, history of violence, must as a NGOs; and the Mediation matter of principle, abide by and Arbitration Commission. the Electoral Act and ensure According to the IEC, most that there will be no violence of panellists that make up the on the polling day. Committee were involved in Nonetheless the IEC is the previous electoral events adamant that in comparison (1994 and 1999). Regarding to the 1999 election; the this, the IEC has mentioned 2004 elections in Gauteng that because of its good track will be a lot better run. record in terms of its ability to deliver and conduct free References and fair elections; no major challenge regarding the April Misbach, W. 2004. “Thousands of 2004 election will be beyond cops will be on duty on April 14 to its control. ensure free, fair polls”, Sowetan. 20 February.

Conclusion http//: www.eisa.org.za/dee

The IEC asserts that a http//: www.mg.co.za/ Gauteng on common complaint received election day”. thus far, has to do with poster vandalism. However, Matlaopane asserts that the issue has been amicably amicably. More worrying, however, is an earlier incident where deputy president was prevented from campaigning in the one of the province’s hostels. One hopes that these hot spots will be treated with

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NORTH WEST

WINNING THE included the State President generating provincial and ATTENTION OF and Deputy Presidents' national media coverage that numerous walkabout tours. promoted the ANC in the THE MEDIA President Mbeki received North West province wide publicity as he visited specifically. The bulk of the Michael O’Donovan voters across the country and coverage that he generated Independent Political urged them to vote for the was derived from Consultant ANC. The process conferences and other repackaged Mbeki in a business gatherings in which On the weekend ending fundamentally different way. investment in the province April 4 the larger political Gone was the staid, aloof was promised or secured. An parties held the last on their and somewhat intellectual example was the launch of mass rallies and entered a President. The new image the Platinum Pride initiative new phase of electioneering. was one of a person more in which promises of The new phase was to eager to be associated with, investment were used to concentrate on individual and even confronted by, the portray the ANC's success in interactions between common man. The media stimulating further economic potential voters and party responded with generous growth. The investment is supporters canvassing coverage of the campaign. being used by party support. These interactions Paralleling Mbeki's marketers to counteract include door-to-door campaigning (with criticism of the ANC in a campaigning and telephonic somewhat less impact) was field where it is most “cold-calling”. Until now Deputy President Jacob vulnerable – its poor record (April 4) most of the focus of Zuma who embarked on a with respect to job creation. political parties has been on similar tour. Contrary to the capturing the attention of the President’s campaign, Media coverage of Mbeki mass media. Such self- Zuma's sought to emphasise and Zuma far eclipsed that generated media coverage continuity and his gained by opposition party represents a cost effective “Zuluness”. leaders like the DA's Tony way in which political Leon or the IFPs' parties can present In an attempt to woo support . The themselves and their policies away from the IFP, Zuma's issues that won coverage in to new audiences and, in the campaign was accordingly the mass media focussed process, distinguish was heavily focussed on heavily on politicians (like themselves from soliciting support among Mbeki, Zuma and Leon) competitors. As a rule this voters in KwaZulu-Natal and with national profiles and self-generated coverage is in single sex hostels in the agendas. While there is a presented to the electorate as metropolitan areas. In certain logic to the focus on “news” rather than as several instances his national issues and persona, advertising and, reception was distinctly icy the provincially based consequently, carries greater of not overtly hostile. political parties such as the credence. UCDP and the campaigns The outgoing premier of the with regional focuses got the Prominent successes in North West, Popo Molefe, short end of the stick. Most soliciting media coverage was somewhat successful in smaller parties (and thus

11 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 regional parties) were largely dependent on the relatively potential role played by unsuccessful in capturing the ineffective medium of premiers and minister – media attention. For example posters and the loyalty of offices in which women are 's UCDP past supporters. relatively well represented. failed to win significant The position also ensures media coverage. Political Party Seniority and Media that the party campaigns tend parties which fail to generate Focus: Where Have All the to be centrally run and vary appropriate coverage in the Women Gone? little between the provinces. mass media ultimately cannot present themselves to An unintended consequence The candidate for the the electorate without having of the dominance of national premiership in each province to pay for the publicity. figures and issues has been usually occupies the first These parties have to an election campaign heavily position on the parties list of purchase media coverage dominated by males. As candidates. In the North and rely on more interactions almost all of the most senior West Province that position like door-to-door canvassing. politicians in political parties on the ANC's list is occupied If they do pay for coverage it other than the Independent by Darkie Africa the is then branded as a “paid- Democrats and KISS are provinces MEC for Housing. for political advertisement” male, the media has All of the top six positions rather than “news”. inevitably presented the on the ANC's list are held by Furthermore any party’s election as a competition MECs. The list however, ability to conduct door-to- between interests represented does not include two current door campaigns or to cold largely by men. With the MECs – Kuscus (MEC for call on potential supporters is exception of Patricia de Lille Finance) and Sefularo (MEC heavily dependent on (ID), the mass media has for Health). Speculation has organisational capacity and shown the campaign as a long been that Africa along financial clout. battles between Mbeki, with the eighth person on the Unfortunately the smaller Buthelezi, Leon, Holomisa list, are the political parties are almost etc. Consequently, those ANC's preferred choices for defined by their poor voters predisposed towards Premier. The Premier will organisational capacity and supporting a female undoubtedly be selected in a their limited financial candidate may ensure de way that ensures that women resources. However none of Lille fares better than are adequately represented in the larger opposition expected on April 14. the post. The highest political parties (which are Contributing to the centrality position held by a woman on better financed) have of the senior ANC leaders the ANC's list for the North anywhere near the has been the party's West is that of the organisational capacity of reluctance to identify the Agriculture MEC, Edith the ANC. Consequently that candidates for Premier in Molewa, at number three. party which benefited most each province. The party line However, as the ANC is from media coverage is also is that the premiers do not assured a substantial the one best positioned to have a prominent role to play majority in the province the conduct the campaign on a in electioneering and that the party will be able to appoint one-to-one basis. Relative to provincial campaigns are run a Premier from well down the ANC all the opposition by the organisation and not the party list. parties will be more by the premiers. Be that as it may, it detracts from the

12 Election update 2004 south africa number 6

LIMPOPO

Limpopo Gears volumes in all the mentioned be used as polling stations. Up for the categories in the country. Two hundred and seventy were found to be without Elections IEC Mission ablution facilities. The government has since Kholofelo Mashabela The Limpopo IEC seems to committed R10m to the University of the North have taken its mission very provision of permanent seriously. According to ablution facilities at these Introduction Nevhutalu, they had set schools. themselves the following The IEC in Limpopo has goals: The five hundred and thirty registered a number of firsts schools designated as polling in its attempt to ready the • to register the stations were found to have province for Elections 2004. highest number of no water supply. The voters possible government has since The IEC has taken 54 000 • to launch the biggest committed R103m to this educators through voter ever voter education project. It will come in two education workshops, held in the country phases; first the erection of twenty three workshops each • to reduce the tank stands and mounting of for women and youth number of spoilt tanks, and then the supply of groups, twenty-two ballots. He pointed water. Stations that have not workshops for about 6 000 out that in 1999, 2% been connected to municipal leaders and has seventy of votes were spoilt, water supplies by the fieldworkers conducting and that translated to election date will have their elections training everyday about 25 000 votes – tanks filled with water from until the 11 April. According enough to win a seat tankers on Election Day. to Rev Zwo Nevhutalu, who in Parliament. Water supply projects that is head of the Limpopo IEC, • To create a climate are not complete by the these workshops have been of free political election date will be running for a few months activity completed after the elections. now. • to have people vote Nevhutalu said that in 1999, early in the day so the IEC had rolled out He promised that by 11 that Limpopo could temporary facilities at April, two hundred meetings be the first province schools designated as polling of five hundred people each, to release election stations, but that this time on voter education, will have results around they wanted to been held. These involve establish permanent mostly traditional leadership The readiness effort has facilities. structures and will amount to included the registration of over 100 000 people. 2.2 million voters in the As far as polling material is Nevhutalu also disclosed that province, which amounts to concerned, the IEC does not on 25 March, a day before 78% of eligible voters. envisage any hiccups. the school vacations, Nevhutalu said the IEC teachers in Limpopo had Polling stations have not always provided a little more been asked and participated been overlooked either. A polling material than the in voter education in class. task team had been set up to official statistics suggested - He added that all these assess schools that were to just in case. Should a polling figures represent the highest station run out of polling

13 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 material, the situation would now building for the future”, be remedied within thirty he adds. NEWS FLASH! minutes, he added. The peacekeeping force side The most important message VOTING OFFICERS has not been left behind he has for voters is that QUALIFIED TO RUN because security officers voting is that voting is the ELECTIONS have been trained by most important civic duty ANYWHERE IN THE presiding officers to deal any citizen can perform. He WORLD with election issues. The further pointed out that those police, he said, are ready who do not cast their vote, South Africa has become the first because they had always do not understand their country where voting officers have been involved when voter duties as citizens. been able to obtain internationally recognised qualifications in the education took place. The running of free and fair elections. IEC hoped, however, that the He reflects on a recent trip to peacekeeping officers would the Democratic Republic of This is part of groundbreaking not have to do any work on the Congo, which he training that the IEC has been Election Day. “If the peace categorises as a broken providing in partnership with Unisa’s Adult Basic Education and officers don’t do any work country - both literally and Training Institute (Abet), to on Election Day that will figuratively. The presiding officers and their show our political maturity.” intelligentsia, he said, had deputies for South Africa’s third The only worrying factor is left the country because the democratic election. South Africa the state of the roads in rural democratic framework had is the first to have unit standards (building blocks towards a areas, he added. After the broken down. He then adds, qualification) registered for recent rains, many rural matter-of-factly, “we have to working in voting stations, said areas have become difficult celebrate that we have a Rushdi Nackerdien, the IEC’s to access. Nevhutalu democracy that works by manager for voting and results. however expressed hope that voting.” Since the qualifications authority the public works department has agreements with similar bodies would remedy the situation internationally it means presiding soon. officers have internationally recognised academic credits in the Zwo Nevhutalu- A Man running of elections anywhere in the world. with a Mission Nackerdien says that not even Rev Zwo Nevhutalu, PEO Australia, which has one of the for Limpopo, takes his work most sophisticated electoral as more than a job. For him systems in the world, has unit standards for voting officers. “Our it is a calling, a mission training is aimed at even. He confided to professinalising our industry. We Election Update 2004 that he are saying an election is serious. It found every opportunity a involves a lot of hard work. We challenge. His dreams, he need to match international standards and requirements and says, are always bigger than our staff are trained to a level the organisation in which he where they deliver free and fair finds himself. The work he elections.” does for the IEC offers him The IEC awarded the Abet the opportunity to be a Institute the contract to provide the training at a cost of R3, 5 million – builder, he says. “While we a fraction of the R640 million that come from a past of fighting the election is expected to cost. against apartheid, we are This Day 13 April 2004

14 Election update 2004 south africa number 6

Kwazulu-Natal

WAITING FOR election power-sharing, ‘vote access to areas our ordinary for us because we can members could not enter’. THE BARGAINING actually deliver’ has been a In part one can read this as a THE ODDNESS OF common cry. determination to ensure that PARTY CAMPAIGNING IN KZN political freedom does This much seems common finally penetrate every nationally, but KZN is corner of South Africa, at Laurence Piper different in a couple of ways. least during election time. University of KwaZuku- In terms of the content of Thus the ANC wants early Natal, Pieternmartizburg electioneering, violence and deployment of outside Campus the capital issue have come security forces in IFP-held to the fore in recent weeks, hotspots to facilitate a free We are reaching the end of a especially in the ANC’s and fair election. Relatedly, curious election campaign in campaign. Where the ANC in a recent column in ANC KwaZulu-Natal. At the root is using the former to invoke Today, Thabo Mbeki spoke of this oddness is the the passions of its core of the unique nature of contrast between the supporters, it is using the violence in KZN, implying blandness of what parties say latter to reach middle-ground that this was problem that and the amazing alliances voters. While the message is belonged to the first decade that they have formed. This tailored to different of South African liberation, odd outcome is the result of audiences the intention is the and not the second – its time attempts to reconcile popular same: to rally voters against had passed. vote-catching with post- the IFP and for itself. election elite bargaining. The In part though, talk of closeness of the race has That election 2004 will be violence reinforces the meant that fears about future the freest and fairest election stereotype of the IFP as a bargaining and have yet in KZN is common Zulu traditionalist party sometimes outweighed cause. To date the incidents prone to confrontation when electoral commonsense. of violence, intimidation and it does not get its way. In disruption are lower than in the same way that talk of Campaign Content 1999 and certainly 1994. All apartheid curtails the parties and the IEC report to credibility of the NNP, so What parties have said be satisfied with security talk of militant Zulu during elections is pretty preparations ahead of the nationalism hurts the IFP. As dull. The major players all poll, yet talk of violence hard as the party tries to talk about the same issues remains high in KZN, portray itself as a multi- and occupy similar positions especially from the side of racial and conservative- near the centre of the the ANC. Indeed the ANC liberal alternative to the ideological spectrum. has organised visits by ANC, it seems unable to Difference is more marked in national and provincial outrun the past. Indeed, even the effectiveness parties leaders to key IFP areas such the act of publicly calling for claim to have. This is as , and peace, as the party did constituted by the Msinga. In the words of extensively early on in its competency of their policies provincial organiser Senzo campaign, reinforces the and their power to deliver on Mchunu, the point was to popular association between their promises. Hence a ‘force the IFP to allow the IFP and violence. major election issue has been Noticeably the IFP has the coalitions of post-

15 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 ceased talking about abrasive turn in recent days, to elect the Premier, and violence in recent times. epitomised in Tony Leon’s certainly the Coalition suits Thus, intentionally or speech at the joint IFP/DA the DA’s national agenda of otherwise, talk of IFP rally in on 4 April. projecting itself as a violence is more important When added to the recent potential challenger to ANC than its practice in 2004. attacks on Patricia De Lille, power. However, it remains Amichand Rajbansi and an open question among Similarly, the ANC has other small parties, this many in the KZN DA begun to talk increasingly suggests a concern to whether the IFP is in fact about the capital issue as consolidate the opposition better to work with than the election day looms. The vote rather than advance into ANC, and whether the IFP intention here is to target new constituencies. can be trusted to go into middle-ground voters, power with it rather than the especially those living in and The Coalitions ANC. around Pietermaritzburg, who might be concerned If the content of election Further, from the IFP’s point with the IFP moving the 2004 is pretty bland, the of view, the Coalition seems legislative capital to Ulundi. coalitions are extraordinary. a sure vote loser. For one Indeed the ANC has also Ten years ago who would thing it amounts to an used this issue to try and have imagined the main admission that the IFP embarrass the DA in KZN. liberation movement teaming cannot win KZN on its own. Thus these two issues are the up with the party which For another, the manner in main ones on which the oversaw apartheid? Similarly which the Coalition has been content of the election who would have imagined presented to the public seems campaign in KZN differs the party associated with a to favour the DA. This must from elsewhere in South militant Zulu traditionalism undermine IFP attempts to Africa. teaming up with a party court the more conservative associated with English- vote reflected in its A similar concern with speaking capital? Today, ‘agreements’ with Union reaching new supporters is nobody bats an eyelid. Solidarity and the Freedom echoed in the IFP’s Front. In 1999 but especially discourse. This has In KZN the coalitions are the in 1994, the IFP won many consistently portrayed the same as elsewhere in SA, but thousands of votes on the party as a more competent the reasons for them are a provincial ballot from people and inclusive alternative to little different. For the ANC who voted NNP and DA on the ANC whilst not attacking in KZN the ‘partnership’ the national ballot, probably the ANC in too acrimonious with the NNP is more about as an anti-ANC vote. a way until recently. Hence a lack of alternatives and However, with the DA in an the quick distancing of the national consistency than the alliance with the IFP, the party from any suggestion of support that the NNP brings. rationale for an IFP tactical violence, and the affirmation Indeed, if the ANC is to vote is removed. of the economic importance form the provincial of Pietermaritzburg in the government after April 14 it If the Coalition does not party’s manifesto and may well have to rely on make much sense as a vote- provincial growth and parties like the ACDP and getting strategy it makes development plan. the MF, as the NNP in KZN more sense in terms of is a shadow of its former position for post-election In contrast with the self. I think it more likely bargaining. There is a good measured tones of the IFP, that the Coalition for Change chance that the Coalition will the DA has taken a more will get the 41 seats needed win more seats in the

16 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 provincial legislature than the core of a new potential man. Clearly the plan is to the ANC, placing the IFP in rival for power to the ANC. push Buthelezi rather than a position to secure the It is this perspective that the IFP (if such a distinction premiership of KZN once defines its relationships with is a valid one), presenting again. Given the track record the IFP and ANC. As already him as an elderly, almost of coalition and power- noted, the only interesting British-style, statesman sharing between the ANC nuance seems to be a recent looking distinguished in his and IFP at both provincial return to its core voters over bow-tie and formal jacket. and national level, the real new ones. This is despite the excitement of election 2004 fact that the party believes it Yet, in my view, the IFP’s in KZN will be in the horse- can pick up between 10% attempts to target middle- trading after 14 April. and 12% of the black vote in ground voters are areas of KZN. compromised by the In sum then, the bizarre imperative of securing power nature of coalitions in KZN For the ANC in KZN, the after the election. As argued is in marked contrast to the turn from rallies to personal above, the Coalition for blandness of much of the contact reflects a national Change undermines the content of electioneering, concern to ‘re-root’ the party IFP’s independent identity, and reflects positioning for amongst an increasingly blurring the distinction the real political contest of disillusioned electorate. In between itself and the DA, 2004: the post-election elite KZN this is a wise strategy. and removing the rationale bargaining. It is really only In the 2000 local government for most tactical votes in against the anticipated elections, the party lost KZN. outcome of a close race in ground to the IFP as only the province that this 49% of its 1999 supporters Perhaps in the end the IFP oddness makes any sense. turned out. This was in should not be too troubled contrast to the 60% of the with this, for it has struggled Campaign Styles IFP’s supporters. This to attract voters outside of

engaging style meshes well rural areas of KZN since the In terms of the style of 1996 local government electioneering both the ANC with the above noted issues of political violence and the elections anyway. Indeed the and the DA have followed core challenge for it, as for their parties nationally in location of the capital city. Unfortunately the dispersed the ANC, resides with its preferring person-to-person long-standing rural contact combined with a and local nature of the ANC’s programme makes its supporters. This is because slick national media firstly, the numbers of rural campaign to old-style rallies. effectiveness difficult to assess, but most reports are people are roughly 3.5 % This is new for the ANC down since 1996 and, more rather than the DA, but it positive. importantly, because the seems to be the new ‘best The IFP’s style is more rally- ANC is making inroads into practice’ for electioneering centred than the ANC and rural areas. in liberal-democracies. In DA, indeed remarkably so, contrast, the IFP seems to be with Buthelezi speaking at Thus while both the ANC pursuing the rally-driven no less than 40 events and IFP have problems with style of years past. between the launch of the their supporters, the problems are quite different: Of the three main parties the IFP’s campaign on 18 January and the end of ANC has a potentially DA’s strategy is the most growing but apathetic straightforward. Like the March. These rallies are scattered over most support-base whereas the national strategy, the party in IFP has a shrinking but more KZN is presenting itself as provinces – a remarkable schedule for a 76 year old reliable one.

17 Election update 2004 south africa number 6

CAMPAIGNING IN campaigners. The ANC rally supporters still reject the KWAZULU-NATAL in Ulundi is an example. ANC on what they see as Ulundi is a well established their turf, hence the attempt

IFP stronghold and the site to disrupt the rally. More Shauna Mottiar of much political tension and worrying however, is the fact Independent Political violence in the 1994 election that many residents Analyst where two ANC party remained indoors during the

workers were shot dead and rally. This indicates possible As the election approaches, a number of ANC vehicles fears of political opinion poll predictions are burned by ardent IFP intimidation. Indeed, the mounting. Of particular supporters. The ANC rally in ANC was forced to abandon interest are predictions that Ulundi for the upcoming its plans to campaign door to the African National election was for the most door in the province because Congress (ANC) will take part contained by a massive of fears that residents visited power in KwaZulu-Natal an show of strength by the would be victimised later.8 official Inkatha Freedom South African Police Service Party (IFP) stronghold. (SAPS). A convoy of ANC Existing tensions between Analysts are quick to point activists and supporters the ANC and IFP have been out however, that opinion arrived in Ulundi compounded by campaign polls are not always accompanied by several disruptions and violence. accurate. In 1999, a pre hundred heavily armed President Thabo Mbeki election poll predicted that policemen and helicopters accused IFP leadership of the IFP would win 4% of the hovering overhead. Reports “orchestrating the vote. It in fact won 8.58% of are that the Ulundi townships intimidation of campaigning the vote.6 The close were very quiet with many political opponents”. He was contestation in the province residents remaining indoors referring to various incidents is reflected in the campaign and very few people except where ANC rallies had been processes of the IFP and children willing to accept disrupted and claimed that ANC respectively. ANC flyers being handed out the only conclusion to be

by members of the convoy. drawn was that an armed The IFP has campaigned in An address by Charles minority group had come to KwaZulu-Natal quite Nqakula (Minister of Safety terrorise the people and limit intensively paying particular and Security) was nearly their interaction with the attention to its traditional disrupted when a group of President. He added that the strongholds of power - rural IFP supporters attempted to IFP was acting to protect and peri-urban areas. It has force their way forward white interests by entering also attempted to intensify its towards the podium - they into a “right wing coalition” popularity within Indian were held at bay by the with the Democratic constituencies and increase SAPS. Nqakula was Alliance (DA). The IFP’s its support from within youth addressing the issue of Mangosuthu Buthelezi sectors.7 The ANC on the eradicating the culture of ‘no responded to these claims by other hand, has concentrated go areas’ in KwaZulu-Natal: saying that his alliance with on permeating IFP “we are sending a message the DA was based on shared strongholds and former ‘no to anybody who wants to federalist principles. He also go’ areas for ANC impede others who are trying accused the ANC of to exercise their democratic formulating a one party state 6 Tabane, R, “Palaver of the Polls”, rights…that they will be evidenced by their ever Mail & Guardian, April 2 2004 dealt with”. Notwithstanding 7 Msomi, T, “We also took up fight Nqakula’s convictions, it is 8 Harper, P, “ANC has first rally in against the oppressors”, Sunday clear that some IFP Ulundi”, Sunday Tribune, March Times, March 28 2004 28 2004

18 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 increasing concentration of campaign disruption and Premier will ensure that power undermining the violence in KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal is governed autonomy of provincial and both IFP and ANC structures in a ‘joined up’ manner with local government. He then are planning their one vision that will infuse referred to campaign premierships for the the work and life of each disruptions saying that IFP province in preparation for department, moving away supporters did not prevent the next administration. from the existing situation of Jacob Zuma from fragmented government campaigning in the IFP The IFP, it seems, will retain activity”12 The Plan also hostel strongholds in Lionel Mtshali as its makes the Premier but rather candidate for the responsible for the Zuma failed to observe Zulu premiership. According to province’s economic protocol of announcing his analyst Kiru Naidoo, development framework visit.9 Mtshali’s status in the party which aims to target direct is unchallengeable. He is foreign investment and make Violence in the province known to be a hardliner KwaZulu–Natal an during election campaigning within the party. This can be ‘economic powerhouse’. has led the Independent proved by his dismissal of Under the Plan, the Premier Electoral Commission (IEC) several ANC MEC’s from becomes responsible for to put into plan an election his cabinet during the floor- rooting out corruption, observation system. The crossing period due to what controlling youth KwaZulu-Natal Democracy he termed the ANC’s development and facilitating and Elections Forum “backdoor attempt” to seize the empowerment of women. (KZNDEF) has been tasked control of the province. To The Plan will also settle the with proactively dealing with all intents and purposes, the “status, role and function of any threats to the election, it province seems to have been the monarchy” by drafting a plans to have 140 monitors led fairly well under Mtshali new provincial constitution working in 5 regions in the and Naidoo claims that the (the previous constitution province (northern KZN, ethic of good governance has was not certified by the south coast, Ladysmith, the become enshrined in the Constitutional Court) as well Midlands and Durban) province and that the as enhancing the role of during the pre election financial situation is well in traditional authorities (a key period. The KZNDEF which order.11 Should the IFP component of the IFP’s is to be the largest group of maintain control in support base) with the independent domestic KwaZulu-Natal after the provision of support and observers is still waiting for election it is set to offices. HIV/AIDS is also confirmation of further implement its “Growth and given priority by the Plan funding before it can add Development Plan” for the that envisages an extensive more domestic observers to province. It is reported that HIV/AIDS programme. its ranks. It is also running a the Plan grants sweeping Despite the election battle tight schedule as funding for powers to the Premier ahead, the IFP has already the initiative came through effectively reducing powers begun to lay the groundwork very late. Its aim is to have of MEC’s and allowing the for its vision by employing 2000 independent monitors Premier high levels of highly paid consultants to covering 85% of voting control over various advise the provincial stations on election day.10 departments. According to government. Criticism of the Notwithstanding the the Plan, “The office of the Plan is abundant led by the

9 Sunday Times, March 28 2004 11 Harper, P, “Head to Head in 12 Harper, P, “All Power to the and April 4 2004 KZN”, Sunday Tribune, March 28 Premier”, Sunday Tribune, April 4 10 Witness, April 1 2004 2004 2004

19 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 view that the extended Speculation as to who the Ndebele who according to powers of the Premier ANC’s candidate for Premier Naidoo “has held the ANC constitute centralisation of will be should it take power together in the region and power – something the IFP in KwaZulu-Natal, centre on has the reputation for giving has always criticised the Deputy President Jacob the IFP no quarter in the race ANC of indulging in on a Zuma. This is due to his for control of the legislature” national basis. ability to work with IFP and Minister of Transport S’bu Free State

COUNT DOWN Election Campaigning Deputy-president Jacob ELECTION Zuma also visited the Free CAMPAIGNING AND In the fist few weeks of State in the latter part of CONFLICT 2004, opposition parties March, stating that only a MANAGEMENT started campaigning vote for the ANC could vigorously for the upcoming ensure real participation in Angelique Harsant and elections. The ANC took the government of the Willem Ellis another approach and country. The ANC University of the Free state aligned its campaigning concluded its election strategy with the party’s campaign in the Free State with its largest meeting thus Introduction election slogan, i.e. a far at Bethlehem in the Free people’s contract, by door- to-door visits. President State. The current premier, Political parties are making a Mbeki started the party’s Winkie Direko, the leader of final effort to campaign for door-to-door campaign in the ANC in the province, votes and prepare for the Botshabelo, a section of Mr. Ace Magashule and Dr. elections. Even though the in the Free Essop Pahad, Minister in the Free State does not engender State with one million office of the President graced the same interest on the residents. The residents of the occasion. They used the electoral radar as, for this area complained to the opportunity to ensure voters instance, the Western Cape, President mainly about that legislation empowering KwaZulu-Natal or Gauteng, unemployment, lack of women and the youth would political parties still sent in resources, and Pitso be forthcoming in the near their big guns in order to Moikume (an ex-cadre of the future and that a vote for convince Free Staters to vote Azanian People’s Liberation anybody but the ANC would for them. Election 14 Army) handed the President be a wasted vote. The campaigning has been a petition on behalf of strength of the tripartite vigorous, utilising both dissatisfied ex-soldiers.13 alliance was also national and provincial President Mbeki has also demonstrated when Dr. political figures in order to visited the mines in Welkom , the leader maximise its impact. This shortly after the area was of the South African report will attempt to visited by Mr. Tony Leon Communist Party (SACP) highlight some of the major and Dr. Mangosutho visited the Free State events of the various election Buthelezi. The ANC also recently and asked voters to campaigns in the province vigorously campaigned for vote for the ANC as the only and the measures taken to votes among white Free party that could make a ensure a peaceful free and Staters. difference to their lives. fair election.

13 Msomi, 2004:1 and Engelbrecht, 2004, p.1. 14 Kok, 2004a, p.2

20 Election update 2004 south africa number 6

At a meeting held in the poverty and crime. He stated hungry and said that the Eastern Free State during the that the DA-IFP alliance NNP had destroyed itself week of 23-26 March, Mr. agreed on ways of through its alliance with the Innes Aucamp, the NNP addressing these scourges ANC. The DA was accused leader in the Free State again and would do so if elected.17 by the NNP of polarising the reiterated that an alliance political landscape in the with the ANC was the only A recent election poll province, with the FF+ workable option for progress conducted by Markinor comparing the DA to a in the South African political provides some interesting jackal – changing its coat, environment. He mentioned estimates regarding the but never its tricks. The that time for confrontational popularity of different ANC defended its alliance politics was over and that the parties in the Free State. with the NNP by saying that NNP was uniquely According to the poll, the this was the only way of positioned to assist in ANC should consolidate its building the nation19 transforming the country and position in the province with province. 15 75.5% of voter support, with Vigorous election campaigns the DA coming in second have the tendency of raising The leadership of the DA- with 10.6% electoral the political temperature in a IFP coalition, Mr. Tony support. This could give the province and the Free State Leon and Dr. Mangosutho ANC 23 of the seats in the should be no different. Buthelezi visited the Free State Legislature (down Comments by political Goldfields, a traditional from 25) and the DA three leaders at meetings and ANC stronghold, on 20 (up from two). The NNP, rallies could easily February. They used the with 0.5% of the vote in the encourage their supporters to opportunity to address province and the FF+, with act outside the boundaries of mineworkers with regard to 2.7% of the vote could both responsible electioneering the declining mining lose their seats in the and the codes of conduct industry and its impact on legislature allowing the signed by party leaders. This the local economy of the ACDP to enter the could cause a variety of Welkom area. During a visit legislature for the first time conflicts to erupt, derailing to the underground workings with 4.5% of electoral responsible election of a mine, Mr. Leon support.18 The FF+ and the programmes of political mentioned that ANC NNP both reacted by saying parties. To date the Free economic policies chased that this result did not State has been fortunate with potential investors away coincide with their own the IEC only reporting minor from the province. Dr. findings and did not reflect incidents of conflict. These Buthelezi defended the DA- their support in the province. incidents included reports by IFP alliance, saying that the the UDM in Sasolburg and two parties shared similar March 24 saw the last sitting the DA in Botshabelo, values16. At an IFP meeting, of the current Free State regarding the removal or also attended by DA MP’s, legislature and political defacing of election posters in Qwaqwa on 28 March, Dr. parties represented in the and placards. Buthelezi accused the legislature made use of this President of putting opportunity to lambaste each Conflict Management international matters and the other in the protected building of the AU before environment of the Efforts to stabilise the Free pressing issues in South legislature. The DA accused State in the run-up to the Africa such as HIV/AIDS, the ANC of being power- election and pro-actively address conflict have led to

15 Kok, 2004b, p.2. 17 Kok, 2004c, p. 4. 16 De Wet, 2004, p.5. 18 Coetzee, 2004, p.1 19 Coetzee, 2004a, p.19

21 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 the creation of an elaborate The five provincial panellists days. This was conducted in conflict resolution structure. were introduced to all of the late January 2004, and only This structure is not new and political parties during a their reporting structures consisted of eight members Party Liaison Committee differed. The training was in 1999. This article will meeting held on 25 March. conducted by facilitators endeavour to briefly sketch deployed by EISA and aimed this structure and its The panellists will only be at introducing participants to operational duties. utilised in cases where conflict resolution practices conflicts cannot be addressed within an electoral According Mr. S Rabanye20 on a local level and the IEC environment. Participants of the Free State IEC, the has made provision for local were provided with provincial conflict resolution conflict management through handbooks containing the structure is controlled by the the deployment of 25 training materials. The Chief Electoral Officer of the electoral project co- following topics were Free State, Mr. C Mepha, ordinators (EPCs) covered: and is operationally directed throughout the 20 • A chapter on democracy, by one of his senior officials, municipalities of the elections and conflict Mr. S Rabanye. On a province. Due to the higher sought to describe the provincial basis they are number of voters and a meaning of democracy assisted by a specially higher conflict potential two within SADC and South trained conflict resolution EPCs have been deployed to Africa and the central panel, consisting of the Matjabeng Municipality role that elections played individuals with experience (Welkom) and Maluti a in upholding democracy. in conflict resolution Phofung Municipality Electoral systems were practices. The panellists are (Qwaqwa) and three to the reviewed and the role of based in Bloemfontein and Mangaung Municipality the IEC and observers are on standby to address (Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, during elections were any conflict in the province. Thaba Nchu). Experience addressed. The presence Placement of the panellists in has shown that the local of conflict during the five regions of the practitioners can address elections was also province on the eve of the most conflicts and that described. election to ensure quicker provincial panellists are not • Chapter two dealt deployment to conflict always needed for conflict exclusively with conflict, situations is currently being resolution. The few conflict defining conflict and considered by the situations referred to above looking at sources and management of the IEC. The were all addressed by the roots of conflicts. conflict resolution panel EPCs. EPCs are mandated to Escalation and de- currently consists of the liaise with any necessary escalation of conflict following five individuals, role-players on local level to were investigated and each with experience in address the conflict, but participants were shown conflict resolution, should keep the provincial how to assess a conflict. facilitation and community IEC office informed of Strategies for managing dynamics: progress regarding the conflict were also • Mr. K Tladi; conflict in order for described. • Mr. M Webber; provincial panellist to be • The last chapter • Mr. P Pajane; deployed if necessary. described the interests- • Mr. N Mothibeli; and based approach to • Mr. A Rafaku. The panellists and EPCs managing conflict, received the very same highlighting the role of training over a period of two mediation and 20 2004

22 Election update 2004 south africa number 6

negotiation in this WESTERN CAPE political parties contesting process. Emphasis was the elections in the Western placed on dealing with On the Campaign Cape. people during conflict Trail in the: situations and using There are 20 political parties problem solving Western Cape competing in the Western techniques in addressing Cape’s provincial elections. Dr. Cheryl Hendricks It is unlikely that any of conflict. Centre for Conflict these parties will gain 50% Resolution The training was aimed at or more of the votes, and complementing the already As we approach the April 14 therefore a coalition existing skills and elections, political parties are government will remain the experiences of panellists and winding down their order of the day in this EPCs in order to produce campaigns. The popular province. Only two well-rounded conflict verdict seems to be that this coalitions stand a chance of resolution practitioners. It is was an exceedingly dull occupying the provincial only time that will tell campaign. This is partly due portals of power after April whether they will be able to to the fact that the outcome 14: the Democratic Alliance cope with electoral conflicts of the national election and and the ANC/NNP alliance. in the Free State. most of the provincial The latest SABC/Markinor elections appeared to be a opinion poll estimates that References forgone conclusion. This has the ANC will obtain 32%, influenced the nature of the the DA 24%, and the New Coetzee, G. 2004a. Partye kom campaigns. Taking National Party (NNP) 13% mekaar by in sitting. Volksblad. 25 Maart, p.19. advantage of the celebration of the votes. Political parties of ten years of democracy, believe that opinion polls are Coetzee, G. 2004b. Peiling: Donker the African National snapshots of voter preference prentjie vir NNP, VF+: Markinor oor VS,NK. Volksblad, 1 April, p.1. Congress (ANC) has seemed at a particular time and that content with patting itself on they are able to mould the De Wet, T. 2004. Leiers van DA, IVP the back for its successes and attitude of voters and thus besoek mynwerkers: ‘Nuwe wetgewing verdryf beleggers”. promising to do better in influence the outcome of the Volksblad. 21 Februarie, p.5. those areas where complaints elections. This is why they Engelbrecht, L. 2004. Thunderstorm can still be levied. Lacking spend millions on election hits Mbeki’s election roadshow. Internet. www.iol.co.za any credible alternative campaigns and accuse those policies, opposition parties with more party funds of Kok, D. 2004a. Blapse op politieke have concentrated on being at an advantage. How, verhoë laat hoës bloos. Volksblad. 29 Maart,p.2. pointing out the areas of then, have the competing weakness in ANC policies or political parties sought to Kok, D. 2004b.ANC wil wet oor vroue government and discrediting sway the electorate and en setels hê. Volksblad. 29 Maart,p.2. each other. Election which sections of the Kok, D. 2004c. IVP-leier kap Mbeki in campaigns serve the purpose electorate are they targeting? Qwaqwa. Volksblad. 29 Maart,p.4. of making the electorate

aware of the different The ANC has significantly Msomi, S.2004. ANC unleashes increased its support base in election storm.Internet. political parties contesting http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/ elections and their respective most of the communities of 2004/02/29/politics/politics04.asp policies, all with the central the Western Cape. In both the 1994 and 1999 elections Rabanye, S. 2004. An interview held purpose of garnering their with senior IEC electoral officer on 23 votes. This paper analyses it was struggling to make March 2004 in Bloemfontein the effectiveness of the inroads into the Coloured campaigns of some of the community, the largest

23 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 demographic group in the most effective strategy in the the champion of minority province. This community Western Cape. Any house interests. However, in has traditionally supported that President Mbeki has previous elections “keeping the NNP. Through an walked into, and in which he the Western Cape NNP” alliance with the NNP, the has listened to the respective translated into keeping the ANC succeeded in capturing concerns and promised to do ANC out. This is no longer the provincial legislature in something about them, is the case and the DA has 2003. This alliance has almost sure to translate into a highlighted this ad nauseum. decapitated the NNP, for vote for the ANC. The We are living in strange many of its supporters would weakest aspect of ANC’s times where previous now either vote directly for electioneering has been its conservative racist parties the ANC or shift to one of inability to appeal to the can now label once liberal the other parties. This has youth. During the voter parties as racist, which is the directly affected the registration drive it became retort of the NNP. The NNP campaigns of both the ANC apparent that many youth now projects itself as the and the NNP. The ANC runs were not registering. In the only truly multi-racial party what it calls a “positive Western Cape, 34% of those in South Africa, but all campaign.” The emphasis of aged between 18 and 24 parties claim this. The NNP their message is on what years have not registered. has reverted to bringing back they have done as a For those that have “pappa” as a last ditch governing party and what registered, the Nando’s attempt to secure the they plan to do (create jobs, chicken advertisement (in Coloured vote. De Klerk, build houses, and so forth). which they advertise the whom many Their billboards are high up chicken as if it were a supported in 1994, appeared on the lampposts – way political party) seems more at a rally in Hanover Park above the rest – with a appealing than the recently. The NNP has been simple message: “VOTE slogans/quotes of the staggeringly unsuccessful in ANC.” It is President political parties. selling its new anti- Mbeki’s face that graces all opposition opposition the posters, not Ebrahim The NNP has had a hard politics (what it calls Rasool’s, and this leaves the time trying to distinguish ‘participatory governance’). impression of an invitation to itself from the ANC during This party has made too the Western Cape to become this election campaign. It is many fatal errors and it is part of mainstream South once again targeting the very likely that it would Africa in the governance Coloured vote, for this is become history after this sphere. about the only vote it can election. It seems poised to deliver, and this just barely, go down in history as the High profiled ANC to justify an alliance with the party which sold out the members, including ANC. Their posters state: “It white vote in the apartheid President Mbeki and Deputy is your country too,” “Let us era and the Coloured vote in President Zuma, have visited be your voice,” “Keep the the post-apartheid era. towns in the Western Cape Western Cape NNP” “Your over the last two months. key to government” The Democratic Alliance is They have not forgotten to “DP+Right-wing = DA,” and concentrating on the Western visit the homes in the most recent blazoned in Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. It traditionally white and pink, “DA in government? has now formed an alliance Coloured suburbs. It is the When pigs fly.” The first with the Inkatha Freedom exercise of meeting the four posters speak to Party (IFP). The DA has people through their door to minorities and this is in line taken its road and rail show door visits that is the ANC’s with the NNP seeing itself as to small towns in the

24 Election update 2004 south africa number 6

Western Cape, handed out legislation fought for by but want to ban abortions in bullet proof vests in workers. a country with alarming rape Woodstock, and has been to statistics and teenage Mitchell’s Plein and to The Independent Democrats pregnancies. “Vote Azapo” Stellenbosch University. It (ID) hope to attract all those and “Vote PAC” – where are hopes to make inroads into who no longer see the DA these posters? both Coloured and Afrikaner and the NNP/ANC as constituencies by spreading representing their interests. Campaigns essentially the message that a vote for De Lille, the party's leader, revolve around promises by the NNP translates into a positions herself as a parties of what they will do vote for the ANC and by principled person who will if they are chosen to form the capitalising on the high not enter into alliances for government. If the crime and unemployment the mere sake of power. campaigns have been dull rates in the province. The Others have labelled the during this election, it is DA’s slogan is “South Africa party as a ‘one woman show’ because none of the Deserves Better.” It claims and defectors from the party opposition parties have that this has no racist have criticised her leadership offered the public a connotations for they mean, style as dictatorial. To her compelling alternative vision “A big country deserves a credit, De Lille has stuck to of how society should be better government. A big the issues in her campaign organised. The opposition country deserves a better instead of being side-tracked parties may allege that they alternative. A big country into the mud-slinging that are not fairing well in this like South Africa deserves a has beset the other smaller election because of a lack of better future.” However, parties. The recent testing for equity with regard to access constant reference to HIV/Aids by the party to the media and funding. Zimbabwe, corruption, members is an example of However, no amount of extra ruling party non-delivery and the low-keyed, yet effective funding or media publicity is the “whiteness” of their party way in which the ID is likely to dramatically affect leadership makes it difficult putting the issues at the fore- the outcome of the elections. not to perceive it as playing front of their campaign. The truth is that people the race card or as subtly choose their parties for a The New Labour Party’s variety of reasons other than appealing to race sentiment. slogan is “Its our time” but The DA is increasing its the slogans on the billboards: its leader, , has trust, tradition, policies, support nationally. However, had his time and wasted it. it is the perceived need for a identity, and so forth, are far The Cape People’s Congress more important than strong opposition party to claims that “enough is keep the government in advertisements. The new enough” but offers the social movements are check, and its ability to electorate nothing; the become this, that largely beginning to mobilise National Action invites the themselves as an alternative explains the increase of public to “catch the new support for this party. The to the parties. However, they wave,” but waves by their remain embryonic and constant bellicose tone of the very nature rise and decline DA is paying off in divided. Perhaps by 2009 quite rapidly and for this they will be a strong voice increasing its support, this party prematurely so; the despite its apparent lack of with credible alternatives African Muslim Party invites and in the process liven up real policy alternatives. Its us to join the “fight to reduce only clear policy alternative the debate about the possible bread by R1”; the African future for our country that is the promise of nullifying Christian Democratic Party progressive labour ought to energise election assert that they represent campaigning. “true hope for the nation,”

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Eastern Cape

Party Campaigns the campaigns are almost last weekend of the The Non- Contest dead. campaign. Election in the Eastern Cape The African National Following the national Congress campaign trend, President Dr Thabisi Hoeane Mbeki focused on the ANC’s Rhodes University The campaign tone of the past achievements in ANC, in this so-called providing social services to Introduction heartland of the party, has previously disadvantaged followed the national focus communities, and stressing In line with national and emphasis. As polls have continuity in this regard in predictions, most analyses of predicted, the only two the second decade of the likely outcome of the contested provinces in South democracy. Quite 2004 election in the Eastern Africa will be KwaZulu- significantly, Mbeki started Cape, point to an ANC Natal and the Western Cape the campaign by paying victory. There is consensus and in this regard, homage to the king of the amongst political analysts, predictably the ANC has not Rharhabe, Mxhoba Sandile. academics and pollsters that actually focused much of its In this province, where the ruling party will be campaign in the Eastern traditional leaders are critical returned to power - most Cape. in garnering support for likely with an increased political parties – this was a margin. This article Its provincial campaign has very shrewd move on the discusses the campaign focus been overshadowed by the part of the ANC to defer to of the parties just prior to the contest in the two provinces. traditional authority. election concentrating on the From January when it leaders styles and the launched its manifesto in This move followed the strengths of their messages. KwaZulu-Natal to the end of recent visit to the province March, only senior officials by the Minister of Public of the party like ministers Works , who is What is notable about the and member of its National a princess, to rally support provincial campaign? As in Executive Committee (NEC) for the party. Her continued the other seven provinces of send to canvass in the presence in the cabinet is the country, where the ANC province. owed in part to her royal is most certainly going to be roots and her ability to bring comfortably returned to It is only in the two weeks on board this sector of power, is the dullness of the preceding the election that support for the ANC. Such campaign. the party sent its most senior imagery is very powerful in leaders to the province. The the Eastern Cape, especially Unlike in 1994 when there process was kicked of by a after the founding of the was a lot of euphoria around two-day visit by President UDM in 1997, which has the process and in 1999 Mbeki at the end of March. sought to present itself as the when the presence of the This was followed by plans true custodian of traditional newly formed UDM to send in the Deputy structures in the province. presented a challenge to the President Jacob Zuma the ANC and a new dimension following week to be Beyond this, the President, to the electoral process in the followed by the party’s unlike in past campaigns, province, this time around National Chairperson and also in following , during the national trends has cultivated

26 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 what the media has labeled campaign and hails the where the DA was holding his “new image”. This positioning of candidates an election rally. entails undertaking both than ever before. However, it impromptu and well staged might well be symptomatic The case of corruption was “walkabouts” by making of a disturbing trend that the taken up personally by Tony house-to-house visits in level of debate in this Leon who instructed the residential areas. Here he campaign is without much provincial leadership to lay a engages voters about their substance. complaint with the Public problems, listening to their Protector after the ANC concerns and noting them Opposition Parties allegedly used a government and directing his officials in fax machine to print a fund his entourage to deal with Opposition parties that have raising flyer.These events them.To what extent this indicated serious interest in have been noted by the campaign strategy will contesting the Eastern Cape Independent Electoral actually have any bearing on election are unsurprisingly Commission (IEC) and the the election results is quite the UDM given its success in Public Service debatable, but quite clearly the 1999 election, the DA, Accountability Monitor the ANC is intent in sprucing and to a lesser extent the (PSAM), although no official up the image of its leader to NNP. This can be gauged by complaint has been lodged rebuff media and opposition the sending of their national with these bodies. The IEC complaints that he is a leaders to the province to has however decided to be boring and aloof leader. The address campaigns. pro-active and has called strategy is meant to indicate meeting between the three a leader who is and Tony Leon have parties to sort out these compassionate, willing to frequently made what the differences. listen to ordinary people and media has described as prepared to act on their "lightning" visits to the The wildcard party in the behalf. For example, Mbeki province whilst Bantu provincial race has been the has not lost the chance to Holomisa returned now and (IFP), note that he is concerned then, especially to his base in which has generally ignored about the complaints that he Umtata. Their campaign the province. Its leader is receiving from ordinary messages have been largely Mangosuthu Buthelezi was people around the country, to attack the ANC on slated to visit the province especially against the delivery, HIV/AIDS, for a rally during the week tardiness of local corruption and the need to preceding the election. government officials.Quite keep out the ANC from dramatically, and in tune power. Besides these main parties, with his image of caring for the ID and Azapo are the the ordinary citizen, he In a very significant move, only two other parties that ordered the shutting down of the DA and UDM have have sent in their national an illegal shebeen in Port attacked ANC for using state leaders to campaign in the Elizabeth during his functions and resources to province, although their walkabout there and accused promote the party and efforts have been very low- DA officials in the city of reports of political key instances. refusing to campaign in poor intimidation. In the latter areas because they look case, a DA rally was The PAC has been very quiet down upon poor people. allegedly disrupted by unruly in the province, with its ANC members in East leader not having even made This is quite an interesting London who played loud one visit, a situation that also change in focus of the ANCs music outside the venue goes for the ACDP.

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One interesting factor that pointing out to its efforts might well be critical to the against fighting corruption in impact of the political parties the province and the in the provinces has been envisaged national roll out of their focus on attacking each anti-retroviral drugs, other. The UDM has bitterly seriously dent the attacks of criticised the NNP and DA the opposition. for having supported the floor-crossing legislation last Opposition attacks on each year that nearly led to its other, their similar campaign annihilation. Generally, the message in terms of identical DA has accused the other attacks on the ANC in issues parties of being non-starters, ranging from HIV/Aids to maintaining that voting for corruption, are unlikely to them leads to a waste of sway support from ANC votes - focusing especially members to these parties. on Patricia De Lille of the They are also seriously ID, calling her party a “one hampered by serious intra woman show”. The ID has party bickering and attacking countered with a blistering each other to position attack on the DA for its themselves as the “strong senior memberships’ opposition” that can take on endorsement of the death the ANC. penalty, especially senior leaders like Tony Leon and Conclusion Douglas Gibson. The ANCs third straight win All this bickering is likely to in the province in this negatively affect opposition election should serve as a parties, especially in serious imperative on provinces such as the Eastern opposition political parties to Cape where the ANC already look seriously at their enjoys massive support. campaign strategies and What this actually does is to policies. confuse the voters more and reduce their chances of As on the national level, the making a serious impact. threat of democracy to South Africa may not come from ANC-Opposition Message the ANC becoming a and Prospects for Success dominant party. The alienation of voters, The ANC is likely to however, from the process of succeed in its strategy of elections that will become a combining the image of a dull and ritualised affair caring Thabo Mbeki with its bereft of meaning as long a powerful message of what it opposition parties cannot has managed to do for the challenge the ANC people of the province. Its provincially and nationally. rebuttal of criticism from opposition parties by

28 Election update 2004 south africa number 6

NORTHERN CAPE

Election provincial election. It must their citizens after the Campaigning and be remembered that the elections. This is sometimes government Imbizo was not termed an electoral cycle. Conflict held in this province and the According to this Management – government promised to understanding, politicians The Northern Case hold it after the election. appear competent and Even though, the perform well just ahead of Kenney government argued that elections. However, this is these were not part of the not necessarily a bad thing, Most political parties finally ANC’s campaign strategy; it as the electorate can appear to be taking the was clear that they served to somehow hold politicians Northern Cape vote increase the profile of the accountable. This is what seriously. A number of ANC. It gave them the image makes a competitive significant political parties that this is the government democracy better than a descended on the province to that cares about its people. dictatorship. The party canvass for votes. We should politicians might not be the remember that this is the The Democratic Alliance only ones responsible for this only province with less than (DA) and some analysts had trend but also the voters and a million votes. In fact, it has argued that President Thabo observers since the voters less than 500 000 thousand Mbeki was aloof and did not tend to be more vigilant registered voters with the show any concern for during this period and South majority of them ordinary people and that he Africa is no exception. concentrated around the spends most of his time Elections are therefore a very Diamond Field District that outside the country. The DA important part of a incorporates the city of had also argued that Mbeki democracy. Kimberly. Outside this also shuns the question time district the rest of the in Parliament and leaves his The ANC’s door-to-door population is spread across Deputy President to deal campaigning has not been this vast province and it with any questions. smooth sailing. It has becomes very expensive for Therefore, these Imbizos and exposed the ruling party to political parties to canvass the door-to-door campaigns some very harsh criticisms votes. This situation appears spearheaded by the from the ordinary voters and to be giving the ANC an government and the ANC this province is no exception. edge over its competitors for respectively are an attempt The Star reported that Mbeki the hearts and minds of the by the President to dispel and fellow ANC dignitaries Northern Cape voters. those claims. Both these witnessed a Kimberly strategies have been very resident openly attacking the Political Campaigning successful, as these local ANC ward councillor gatherings have been well Martin le Grange. She said The ANC received by the ordinary that she used to like the local people. councillor but things The ANC President has changed when her electricity finally visited the Northern A concern has been raised was cut off, arguing that they Cape to embark on a door- that most political parties, have not had electricity for to-door campaign that has especially those in power, months. The councillor become the feature of the only visit the ordinary people defended himself by arguing ANC campaigning in this when the election that he was not the one year’s national and approaches but rarely visits responsible for cutting the

29 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 electricity but it was the communities. The voters do leader, Martinus van municipality. The resident not link the failures of local Schalkwyk said farmers answered by saying that she municipalities to the policies represented a valuable did not want anything to do set by the government at resource. He argued that they with her local councillor. national level. This tends to were the cornerstones of Mbeki told the woman that work in the interest of the many rural families. He most municipalities in the party in power since failure singled out particularly country were in serious to deliver services at local Afrikaner farmers. He financial trouble and they level will not translate to the further argued that there were trying to help loss of votes during the were hopeful signs that white municipalities resolve these national and provincial farmers were willing to problems. During this elections. This might be one cooperate in the process of campaigning, the President of the reasons the voter land redistribution to avoid allowed people to talk and turnout is often higher during the mistakes that were made promised them that they these elections than local in Zimbabwe. The NNP were going to attend to their government election. approach appears to be more problems. conciliatory and continues to The ANC political campaign try to get white electorate to This was but one of the strategy was characterised by buy in to the approach of stories that the ANC the door-to-door cooperative government with encountered in their door-to- campaigning. This could be the ANC. door campaign strategy, a very expensive process and which appeared to have been very difficult for smaller Whereas, the Democratic very successful. Furthermore parties to emulate. This is Alliance (DA), on the other this process might have also unlikely to generate as hand, believes that the ANC entrenched the image of a much hype as presidential should not be treated with party that somehow cares visits. Therefore, this tended “kid gloves” and needs to be about the people. At the to give the ANC a lot of confronted directly when it beginning this might have mileage and might have fails to deliver. The been seen as a risk consolidated its current SABC/Markinor opinion poll assignment by the ruling position or more than that, predicts that the DA will party but come the election earned it new friends. replace the NNP as the on 14 April; we will see how official opposition. If this is far it went to solidify the The Opposition Parties in the case, this will put the ANC position amongst the the Province: NNP in a weaker position electorate. when it negotiates the terms The New National Party of the coalition with the The other issue of interest (NNP) leadership also ANC in the province. The during this election headed for this province in NNP hopes that this will be campaign by the ANC is the the past week. It appears that one of the provinces where it ordinary people’s conception the lack of resources has can form a coalition of government. It appears meant that most political government with the ANC. that the voters do not hold parties concentrate on their the national government traditional support basis and The DA leader Tony Leon responsible for the problems the NNP is no exception. also visited the province on 1 at local government level. It They met with various April 2004 to address his is not held accountable for groups including the farming supporters. The event was the ‘upward’ looking community. In a public also covered in the local councillors, who seem meeting with farmers in newspaper. All the detached from their local Victoria West, the NNP opposition parties appear

30 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 resigned to an ANC since there is little hope that brought to the attention of controlled government after the residents of Orania will the IEC, and the IEC the election. The DA bother to vote. One of the officials only read about this believes that the ID will only political leaders that have incident in the newspapers. make visible inroads into the vowed not to canvass for This is the only notable ANC constituency. votes in this town is Patricia incident in the Northern Therefore, the DA does not de Lille, the leader of the Cape. Most political parties see the ID as a threat in their Independent Democrats (ID). wrapped up their political attempt to become the main The Sowetan Sunday World campaigns in the province opposition. quoted her as saying she last week. The IEC believes could not care less for its that it is more than ready for Orania – A No-Go Area in residents; arguing that the the coming elections and the Northern Cape Freedom Front Plus (FF+) material has already been should go there and seek delivered to the voting Orania appears to be one votes. The DA said that they districts throughout the area where political parties are not interested in people province. are not in a hurry to solicit who believe in exclusivity votes. About fourteen years while living in a united References ago, a community of white South Africa. The DA said people fighting for the right as a party they will go Bua News Online, 06/12/2000 to self-determination came anywhere to seek votes, but http://www.gcis.gov.za/buanews/vi ew.php together to form an area that will avoid Orania, while the is now known as Orania. The ANC said that its priority is Cape Times, 25/03/2004 area is privately owned town to set up strong bases where that covers 3000 hectares of it has an evident following. Pettersson-Lidbom, Per. 2003. “A farmland in the Upper The FF+ is the only political Test of the Rational Electoral- Cycle Hypothesis.” Karoo. The that has put posters in land was acquired the area. It appears however, http://www.ne.su.se/paper/wp03_1 from the Department of that for now most political 6.pdf Water Affairs and it has a parties will not be statue of the apartheid canvassing votes in the area. SABC News, 01/04/2004 http://www.sabcnews.com/politics/ architect . the_provinces/0,2160,77060,00.ht This is an exclusively white Conclusion ml Afrikaner community with a population of about 600 The Northern Cape appears SABC News, 29/04/2002 residents. set for a peaceful election No http://www.sabcnews.com/politics/ the_provinces/0,2172,33278,00.ht serious infringements to the ml During the previous Electoral Code of Conduct elections held in the country have been reported. If one SABC News, 12/11/2001 - the municipal election, takes history into http://www.sabcnews.com/politics/ nobody bothered to vote and consideration, there are the_provinces/0,2172,23511,00.ht ml instead they had their own unlikely to be any serious ‘private municipal elections.’ violations to the Code of Sunday World, 04/04/2004 The IEC at the time said that Conduct. There has been the government would not only one high profile The Star, 31/03/2003 recognise that council. Fast incident in the Northern Independent News Online, forward into the present, it Cape and that involved low 24/03/2004 appears that most political ranking ANC officials and http://www.iol.co.za/general/news/ parties will not worry to Patricia de Lille, the leader newsprint.php canvass votes in this area of the ID. This was never

31 Election update 2004 south africa number 6

MPUMALANGA

ELECTION Update, Mpumalanga is one mean that opposition CAMPAIGNING of the strongholds for the political parties have thrown ANC and is expected to in the towel. So far, it would AND CONFLICT return the party to power appear that only two of the MANAGEMENT IN with an overwhelming major opposition parties MPUMALANGA majority. This dominance of have not targeted the one political party over province for high profile Thabo Rapoo others seems to have political campaigning. It Centre For Policy Studies eliminated the prospects for would appear that the large scale conflict among national leaders of the IFP Peaceful Electioneering political parties. In other and the NNP have not visited words, it would appear that Mpumalanga for intensive The IEC in Mpumalanga, as the dominance of the ANC political campaigning. It is in other parts of the country, in the province has served not clear whether or not this has put in place mechanisms reduce political temperatures suggests that the two parties to deal with conflict among and therefore the fierceness have decided to cut their political parties during of competition from losses by writing the campaign phase of this opposition parties. Conflict province off as a ‘lost cause’. election. According to IEC among political parties has However, other opposition officials in the province, certainly been reported in the parties have campaigned in preparations and media during the election the province. mechanisms in place are campaigning in the province meant to dealing with inter but only very few minor In fact, during the past two party conflict in the two incidents of political conflict. weeks there has been a flurry phases of this year’s general The IEC in Mpumalanga has of activity in the province as election: the campaigning also confirmed that only some political parties have phase and on election day. minor incidents of election- arrived for intensive political The campaign phase was related political conflict have electioneering. The PAC and preceded by the various been reported to its offices the UDM have both been to political parties and other and it appears that these did the province and held role players signing an not require the IEC’s to election campaign rallies. electoral Code of Conduct resort to its elaborate conflict However, Thabo Mbeki’s that governs the way management procedures. political campaign trip to the political parties and other The incidents were mainly province in the first week of stakeholders will conduct political squabbles, March appeared to prompt themselves in relation to allegations and counter the official opposition, the each other and to citizens allegations relating to Democratic Alliance, to react during campaigning. election campaign posters by also sending their ‘big Political parties are also being destroyed or removed gun’ into the province to encouraged to report to, and from lamp posts. campaign in the President’s lodge formal complaints wake. DA leader Tony Leon with, the IEC in the province Corruption as a Campaign went to Mpumalanga by when violations of the Theme train to campaign in the electoral Code of Conduct second week of March, occur. Nonetheless, the fact that about a week after the electoral competition in President had been to the As already indicated in the Mpumalanga has been province. While Mbeki previous editions of this largely peaceful does not campaigned largely on the

32 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 basis of relating to his government itself has had a Premier’s office, issued a audiences the ANC’s series of corruption scandals terse statement, saying, “we achievements in the past ten over the years. In fact, the view these wild allegations years and emphasised the widespread problem of against our province as need for working together corruption in Mpumalanga baseless, unfounded and a between the different groups has become an ‘Achilles dangerous electioneering in society, Leon concentrated heel’ for the ANC. Also, ploy to deceive the public. largely on the theme of given the predominantly The statement continued: corruption in Mpumalanga. negative tone of “we want to set the record campaigning for this year’s straight. Mpumalanga has The DA’s campaign theme election, it was inevitable never been a corruption and focus were clearly that opposition parties, capital and it will never be.” coordinated and articulated especially the DA, would with the choices of the areas focus public attention on the However, a closer look at the where the party conducted its province’s record of response from the electoral campaign. For corruption - this, especially, Mpumalanga authorities to instance, the train stopped at as the ruling party attempts Leon’s attack reveals some several towns including to focus attention on positive interesting observations and Kinross, Bethal, Ermelo and achievements over the past possible clues to the deeply Carolina where the DA ten years. Therefore in his hidden political dynamics of leader addressed party short trip to Mpumalanga, as the ANC in the province. For supporters. All these towns expected Leon made virulent instance, although Leon’s happen to be located within attacks on the provincial attack was not just aimed at the same municipality – the government’s record of the provincial government of Gert Sibande district corruption and Ndaweni Mahlangu but also municipality. The Gert mismanagement, labelling at the ANC in general, the Sibande district municipality Mpumalanga as South response appears to have is one of only three in the Africa’s “corruption capital” come only from the province, and has been hit by Leon also added that since Premier’s office. There was a spate of corruption President Mbeki assumed no high level and scandals as well as a number office, South Africa had coordinated response directly of forensic investigations in slipped 14 places in the from the ANC’s party the recent past. In fact, the international ranking of leadership in the province. Gert Sibande district council perceptions of corruption as Also, the response came mayor Busi Mdluli, resigned compiled by Transparency from a low ranking official – recently, on 29 March, in the International. a spokesperson from the wake of serious allegations Premier’s office - rather than of fraud, corruption and Impact of DA’s Campaign from a high ranking grave misuse of public Attacks on the ANC government spokesperson. funds. These allegations Not even a single ANC MEC were contained in a forensic The attack appeared not only or MPL in the province audit report that accused the to catch the provincial appeared to have responded. mayor of squandering government by surprise, but taxpayers’ money on also clearly riled the There could be several personal luxuries. authorities, thus drawing a possible explanations for this sharp and obviously subdued response to Leon’s Such venality in infuriated response directly stinging attack. Firstly, it Mpumalanga is not confined from the Premier’s office. could be that the ANC was only to the local government. Joy Letlonkoane, skilfully attempting to avoid Even the provincial spokeswoman from the making a direct and equally

33 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 virulent response to Leon as through which such rivalry in his election campaign in this could have turned the has always been transmitted. the province in early March, issue of corruption into one What this implies is that a Mbeki, accompanied by of the major political political misfortune for one Minister and campaign themes. This faction automatically some high profile local would have played into the translates into potential leaders of the ANC, spent a hands of the opposition, fortune for rival factions. It weekend not only engaging especially the DA. The ANC is also not a secret that in close door-to-door is much more likely to be Mahlangu is fighting campaigning in some affected negatively by this. tirelessly in his quest to residential areas, but also Secondly, the ANC has retain his current position as meeting various interest largely avoided running a Premier. However, there are groups, including ethnic similarly negative political equally determined key minorities. The party also campaign as the DA and individuals within the party campaigned in high may have thus viewed who are also calculating their concentration areas such as Leon’s attack as part of this chances of capturing the townships, shopping centres negative campaigning position. Therefore, Leon’s and taxi ranks. In contrast, strategy. Therefore, leaving a corruption charge may have Leon went from response to come from a low been interpreted narrowly as Johannesburg to ranking government official an attack on Mahlangu, Mpumalanga aboard a train may have been intended to either individually or and spent less than a whole depoliticise the issue of together with his dominant day campaigning in the corruption and turn it into a cronies, with potential to province. It was widely mere technical and weaken him politically and reported in the press that he administrative matter. thus open up the political made several ‘whistle stops’ Thirdly and more plausibly, space for rival factions to along the way, stopping long it is common cause that the compete for control of the enough at each station to ANC as a political party in provincial government. address party supporters Mpumalanga is riven with while aboard the train, internal divisions, Whatever the consequences before moving on to the next factionalism and therefore of Tony Leon’s negative station. It was also reported political tensions that may election campaigning style in that at the end of his train have prevented the party the internal political journey, a plane was waiting from issuing a collective and dynamics of the ANC in to fly him back to coordinated response to Mpumalanga, a closer look Johannesburg. It appears that Leon’s attack. In fact, some at the scant attention the DA he did not carry out any of the factions within the has paid to the province so intensive campaigning such party in the province may far, compared to the ANC, as house-to-house calls or have treated Leon’s attack as suggests that the party address selected interest being directed to Mahlangu’s possibly regards the province groups as did Mbeki. government and, by as a lower priority. For Therefore, the amount of implication, at his dominant instance, Leon did not time Leon spent in the faction within the provincial campaign in the same areas province and the fact that his government. that Mbeki and the ANC speeches were restricted only targeted in Mpumalanga. to party supporters may It is no secret that there is This is critical if the DA’s suggest that the party regards fierce rivalry within the intention is to challenge the Mpumalanga as a low ANC in Mpumalanga and ANC directly by making campaign priority. that the internal political inroads into traditional ANC This article discusses the factions are key vehicles support bases. For instance campaign focus of the parties

34 Election update 2004 south africa number 6 just prior to the election concentrating on the leaders styles and the strengths of their messages.

References The Election Arena: Mpumalanga Locals and Lists, Posters … 15 Province in the Spotlight KZN Voting with their Feet: 17 African Eye News Service, No. 2, 16 February 2004 Transparency in Party Funding 29/03/2004 Editorial & the Use of the Media 20 News24, 29/03/2004 National Perspectives Free State (www.news24.com) Nomination Processes of Parties on Media as an Empowering Tool 22 News24, 17/03/2004 Candidates Lists 2 Media Flourishes But Will Everybody (www.news24.com) A Case Study: The African National Be Heard? 24 SABC News, 06/03/2004 Congress Western Cape Nomination Process 7 Media, Use of State Resources and (www.sabcnews.com) The Launch of the Parties’ Manifesto Party Financing 28 SABC News, 14/03/2004 and Election Campaigns 9 Eastern Cape (www.sabcnews.com) Configuration of Party Political Media & Political Party Campaign30 Sowetan, 16/03/2004 Contest Northern Cape The Star, 01/03/2004 in the Forthcoming Election 12 It is Better Late than Never in the • Additional Information Provincial Roundup Northern Cape 33 obtained from the IEC in Gauteng Mpumalanga Mpumalanga and Pretoria. Youth Participation in the 2004 Mpumalanga on the Eve of Formal General Elections: A Bash with a Election Campaigning 36 Difference 17 Previous Issue Contents 40 PREVIOUS ISSUES North West CONTENTS Same Old, Same Old? 19 No. 4, 19 March 2004 KZN Editorial 1 No. I, 2 February 2004 Bread and Circuses: Early National Perspectives Editorial 1 Electioneering in KZN 21 Political Violence & intimidation 2 The Context: 2 Campaigning in KwaZulu-Natal23 Managing conflict: preparing for the National Perspectives Free State 2004 elections 6 Voter Registration 8 Party Candidates: Nominations and Election and Conflict 9 South African Broadcasting Campaign Processes 28 Political Violence and Intimidation, Corporation Better Late than Never: Submission of and the Role of the Security Forces 12 Breaks the Rules and ICASA Turns a Cndidate’s Lists in the Provincial Roundup Blind Eye 10 Free State 30 Gauteng Gauteng Western Cape Registration of voters Election Management: The Western Cape: A Vote for Tradition, in Gauteng 19 Preparedness of the IEC 12 Personalities or Issues 33 North West Province Snooze, You Lose: Voter Education in Eastern Cape The Landless have their Say 20 Gauteng 14 Preliminary Campaign Trends and KZN North West Province Likely Election Outcomes36 Politics by Other Means 22 Apathy to be the Big Winner in the Mpumalanga Focus on Political Violence 24 North West Province 16 Mpumulanga Province: Electioneering Free State KwaZulu-Natal Headstart Political Violence & Intimidation, A Growing Commitment to for the Ruling Party 39 the Role of the Security Forces 27 Democracy in KwaZulu-Natal18 Chronology 43 Election 2004: Free, Fair and without The End of KwaZulu-Natal as We Previous Issue Contents 44 Intimdiation? 30 Know It? Western Cape Election Preparations in the Context of No. 3, 1 March 2004 Political Violence and Intimidation in a Possible ANC Victory 20 Editorial 1 the Western Cape, Where? 34 Free State National Perspectives Eastern Cape Electoral Perspectives on Free State Parties not People: 2 Politcal Violence & Intimidation: An Province 24 Public Funding of Political Parties4 Asssessment of Risks 36 Operation Registration: An More Analysis of the Manifestos 7 Northern Cape Assessment of Voter Registration Provincial Roundups No Complacency in the Northern in the Free State 26 Gauteng Cape: 40 Western Cape Student Electoral Participation: A Wits Mpumalanga Looking Back and Stepping Forward Survey 10 Mpumalnga Province: Uneasiness in the Western Cape 28 Levelling the Playing Fields: The behind the Calm 43 Eastern Cape Electoral Code of Conduct for Party Chronology No. 2 47 Eastern Cape: Reflections, Projections Campaigns 13 Previous Issue Contents 48 on the Eastern Cape 32 NorthWest Mpumalanga

35 Election update 2004 south africa number 6

No. 5, 30 March 2004 NorthWest Province Eastern Cape Editorial 1 North West, Ready or Not? 20 Preparedness in the Eastern Cape National Perspectives KZN 34 The IEC’s State of Preparedness 2 Election Readiness in KZN Northern Cape The Unwilling Voters and the 2004 A competent and Wise Head Atop an Its All Systems Go in the Northern Elections in South Africa 7 Average Body 21 Cape 37 Debates and Viewpoints FreeState Mpumalanga Ten Years of Democracy and the Election Readiness – 100% Mpumalanga’s Electoral Preparedness Dominant Party System in South 26 40 Africa 8 So Far, So Good: IEC Looks Ready Previous Issue Contents 43 Provincial Roundup for Elections in the Free State Chronology 3 44 Gauteng 29 The Preparedness of the IEC for the Western Cape 2004 General Election 15 The IEC Prepares 32

CHRONOLOGY 4 8 Mar. 2004 Date by which the IEC must decide on the validity of objections, under Section 30 and must notify the objector and the registered political party who nominated the candidate of the decision arrived at.

23 Mar. 2004 Cut off date for appeals against decisions of the IEC.

25 Mar. 2004 The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) announce today that arrangements have been put in place for the casting of special votes on 12 or 13 April 2004 within South Africa or on the 7 April at South African missions overseas.

26 Mar. 2004 SABC/Markinor Opinion 2004 survey on “Possible Turnout, Voter Registration and Apathy” is issued indicating that between 87 and 92 percent of registered voters have indicated their intention to vote.

29 Mar. 2004 Date by which the Chief Electoral Officer must have compiled a list of the registered parties entitled to contest the election and the final list of candidates for each of these parties.

29 Mar. 2004 The Democratic Alliance files papers in the Cape High Court requesting an urgent interdict from the Court to stop the African National Party (ANC) and the New National Party (NNP) misusing public funds for electioneering purposes. 1 30 Mar. 2004 National Action (NA) withdraws its application for membership of the Democratic Alliance (DA) – Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) coalition, but will continue working towards the creation of an effective opposition.

30 Mar. 2004 Findings of the University of the Witwatersrand Politics Research Group survey reflects very strong party identification and continuing support for President Thabo Mbeki.

5 April 2004 Date by which the CEO must have issued certificates of authentication to candidates.

7 April 2004 IEC launches its National Results Operations Centre (the ROC) in Pretoria. The opening ceremony is addressed by the IEC Chairperson Dr Brigalia Bam.

7 April 2004 Voters who will be abroad on Election day and have applied for special votes will cast their votes at South African missions overseas.

12 April 2004 Applications to the Presiding Officer at the Office of the Presiding Officer for visitations by voting officers to cast special votes are made on this day. © The Electoral Institute of Southern Africa (EISA) 2nd Floor The Atrium 41 Stanley Ave Auckland Park · PO Box 740 Auckland Park 2006 Tel 27-11-4825495 Fax 27-11-4826163 Email [email protected] URL http://www.eisa.org.za

The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of EISA

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