‘Rise of new parties ahead of 2024 polls not a cause for concern’

Political analyst, Professor Dirk Kotze, says the mushrooming of new political parties or civic organisations emerging into one is common ahead of elections.

Kotze was reacting to the news that civic organisation, Operation Dudula, plans to shake-up the political arena by registering as a political party for next year’s provincial and national polls.

Dudula made the announcement on Sunday at its consultative conference at the Johannesburg City Hall, where hundreds of its local and national members had gathered.

The organisation first gained prominence in 2021 when its members marched through Soweto on a clean-up operation to rid the community of drugs.

Operation Dudula’s move follows last month’s launch of Rise Mzansi, Arise South Africa and Xiluva, who are also set on changing the status quo – come 2024.

Prof Kotze says while it might appear as though there might be increase in new parties, most of them normally just register for local government elections.

The political expert says it remains to be seen how many of these new parties will actually participate in the national polls.

Operation Dudula has over the years made headlines for its call for illegal migrants to close shop in the country’s townships and be deported to their home countries. The organisation’s rivals have dismissed its stance as xenophobic.