Pre-election parties usually don’t last

South Africa is a multi-party democracy. But there is a concern that there are too many political parties in our country.

Hence, the argument that we need to follow other democracies and have three or so political parties. Will that ever happen? Only time will tell.

Our politics has become more like prosperity churches. Anyone and everyone can be a pastor and start a church.

Hence the mushrooming of churches in our country. The same applies in our politics. Anyone can be a leader and start a political party. That’s why our politics have become so shallow. But I digress.

Election time is dubbed as the silly season. Next year, South Africa will hold its general elections.

It is common for new political parties to emerge just before elections. One of the parties that have been formed recently is the Born Free Alliance (BFA).

BFA was formed by the expelled EFF councillors in Mogale City. Social democracy is their ideology.

But nothing really differentiates them from the EFF. They wear overalls (though white) and berets (though green). The new kids on the block intend contesting elections next year.

What value will the BFA add to our political discourse? None. They are just adding numbers. Most of their leaders are political novices and they don’t have a footprint and experience in national politics.

I doubt if they have – or will have – donors.

Additionally, when political parties launch, they create hype and enjoy media attention.

However, the BFA launch, which was held at Chief Mogale Hall, went very quietly. Do they have a communications team?

The party is likely to follow the same route as that of many small parties that are formed before elections – die quietly. I hope they will prove me wrong.

Thabile Mange, Mogale City