South Africa

Politics, South Africa

LGE 2016: Interview – Lenasia Ward 8 independent candidate Nazar Loonat

LGE 2016: Interview – Lenasia Ward 8 independent candidate Nazar Loonat

South African political parties are bracing themselves for the 3 August 2016 election showdown, and so are independent election candidates. But, in a volatile political space such as in South Africa, what chance do independent election candidates stand, really, and at what cost? BHEKI C. SIMELANE spoke to Lenasia Ward 8 independent candidate Nazar Loonat to find out.

BCS: All political formations are gearing up for the 2016 elections – are your own plans on track?

NL: Yes, election time is drawing nearer. All things considered, we are on track.

BCS: How has the journey of standing as an independent candidate been so far? And will this be the first for you, or have you run in previous elections?

NL: The journey has been an eye opener, exciting, and very emotional. This is the first time that one is contesting the elections as an independent candidate, especially as part of the Independent Coalition for Change (Lenasia).

BCS: Have you been getting the kind of response you’d hope for?

NL: Absolutely. The benefit of the positive response one believes is a result of the work that has been done between ourselves, within our communities over the years as social activists.

BCS: What was the motivation behind the decision to contest as an independent candidate?

NL: There is only so much that can be achieved through social activism. As a result of the disconnect and the service delivery fatigue that currently prevail in our communities, the next logical step, in terms of service delivery, dictates that activists like ourselves, who are passionate about communities, need to rise to the challenge of alleviating the leadership crisis currently in force and lead ourselves out of the service delivery quagmire.

BCS: What are some of the biggest challenges and upheavals of standing for elections as an independent candidate?

NL: As a consequence of “political victimisation” that still currently exists in our communities, potential and real supporters are hesitant to publicly rally behind and support us for fear of economic, political, and other victimisation. This obviously impacts negatively to a large extent because manpower, among others, is a crucial tool for successful campaigns.

BCS: What is the nature of the relationship between yourself and your fellow candidates?

NL: Fortunately one has, on the whole, a cordial professional relationship with fellow contestants, especially within members of our coalition.

BCS: As the elections draw nearer, what lessons would you say you have drawn from your journey thus far, that could enhance your election campaign in future?

NL: Decide early. Start early. Integrity is everything. Whilst we enter campaigns to win, one cannot sacrifice integrity. Never promise anything that is impossible to deliver on. The chickens will be home to roost when promises go unfulfilled. Door to door and small public meetings seem to be more effective, efficient, and productive compared to mass gatherings.

BCS: Have you ever woken up one day and felt like you were in the wrong business, that standing as an independent election candidate is nonsense and something that you never want to embark on ever?

NL: Absolutely not. Intention is the cornerstone of every effort and venture. The intention of running as an independent candidate/s (Independent Coalition for Change) was spurred on as a direct of, like I said, service delivery disconnect and fatigue that we as communities are subjected to. It has been, and no doubt it is, a tough ride, but we have learnt that nothing good comes easily. We would without doubt encourage such activism whenever necessary.

BCS: There might be much interest on how much resources, financial or otherwise, go into this sort of campaign?

NL: (Chuckles), That’s a good question. As the Independent Coalition for Change, we have been active in our communities for over 30 years collectively and as such the issue of marketing ourselves, per se, does not require much capital. We have, however, opted to market ourselves to other potential voters within our constituencies using cost-effective means such as social media, print media, posters, and by word of mouth. You must understand that the costs of our print media advertisements were split three ways so it worked out relatively cost-effective.

BCS: It’s common conduct among politicians nowadays that when called upon to cure a political sneeze, their own noses get runny. How will you be any different?

NL: As members of the Independent Coalition for Change, we are contesting the elections as independents and not aligned to any political party, hence we are immune to such colds. The fact that we are not aligned to any party means we are accountable only to our communities, and not party bosses.

BCS: Is the South African electoral playing field level?

NL: Absolutely not. The glaring disparities that exist between the established and bigger parties in terms of, especially, financial assistance provided to them and the lack of financial and other administrative assistance available for independent candidates is incongruent to a level playing field.

BCS: And do you think the principles of freedom and fairness are still strictly adhered to?

NL: No, we do not believe that to be the case, especially where state/public machinery is used to campaign and canvass for a specific party, in this case the ANC. High levels of intimidation and political intolerance are still evident where, among others, election material is defaced, damaged and destroyed.

BCS: What would you say to people who think standing as an independent election candidate is a waste of time?

NL: Standing up for what one believes in is never a waste of time. One person standing up is already in the majority.

BCS: What are your plans for the last few days before the elections?

NL: Re-group, conclude our door to door campaigns and finalise preparations for the elections in terms of party agents. We are also obviously preparing to realise our manifesto as we are preparing for victory.

BCS: What do you think of South Africa’s political parties, particularly the big three, and what do you make of the South African political landscape?

NL: The big three, to me the big three, especially the ANC and the DA, are but a reflection of the other. It’s like the kettle calling the pot black. “Full stomach politics.” I can’t provide much evaluation on the EFF because they are only making their debut. However, from a provincial and national perspective, they are just quite rowdy and disruptive, and appeal mostly to the disenfranchised and helpless youth who are aggrieved and filled with rage resulting from the high level of unemployment and poverty they contend with – ticking time bombs.

The South African political landscape is currently in ruin as there exists a very wide gap in leadership. We are currently experiencing leadership drought in our country. The emergence of independent candidates, a record number this time, bears testament to the frustrations and desperation experienced by citizens at large. Desperate for ethical leadership that will steer us forward progressively as a country, towards progress, health, unity and prosperity, and signalling much needed alterations to our political landscape.

BCS: Realistically, what are the chances of success for an independent candidate?

NL: Realistically speaking the chance of success of an independent election candidate is just as good as any political party candidate. The fact of the matter is that the success of any candidate is decided at the polls. Who the voters decide to place their confidence in happens only at the polls. It is therefore uncommon for voters, as a means of protest/dissatisfaction, which is the case currently, to place their vote for the independent candidate on the ward ballot and to vote for the party on the PR ballot. In so doing the voter does not have to lose their political identity and is assured of a good delivery of (ward) services and perhaps more efficiency from a party’s PR based upon this shift of power.

BCS: In a volatile political society like South Africa’s, what chance do you think you have of making it?

NL: While it may be true that an independent candidate acting independently may be voiceless in council, compared to among others the organisational structure and backing of political parties. However, currently we find ourselves in strange and new times, where in the Johannesburg metro we have an unprecedented 34-odd independent candidates contesting this year’s Local Government Elections. These candidates have already created an informal body aptly named the Independent Caucus. The structure will, among other things, provide the necessary support to the successful independent candidates, enabling and allowing them as independent candidates. To have not only a voice, but an echo to add to the vigorous and robust engagements. This will allow independent councillors to manage their wards effectively and when necessary collaborate with other independent councillors (Independent Caucus) as well as with other parties to realise collective objectives within the municipality. DM

Photo: Lenasia Independent Candidates. Bottom-left is Nazar Loonat.

Gallery

Please peer review 3 community comments before your comment can be posted

X

This article is free to read.

Sign up for free or sign in to continue reading.

Unlike our competitors, we don’t force you to pay to read the news but we do need your email address to make your experience better.


Nearly there! Create a password to finish signing up with us:

Please enter your password or get a sign in link if you’ve forgotten

Open Sesame! Thanks for signing up.

We would like our readers to start paying for Daily Maverick...

…but we are not going to force you to. Over 10 million users come to us each month for the news. We have not put it behind a paywall because the truth should not be a luxury.

Instead we ask our readers who can afford to contribute, even a small amount each month, to do so.

If you appreciate it and want to see us keep going then please consider contributing whatever you can.

Support Daily Maverick→
Payment options

Become a Maverick Insider

This could have been a paywall

On another site this would have been a paywall. Maverick Insider keeps our content free for all.

Become an Insider

Every seed of hope will one day sprout.

South African citizens throughout the country are standing up for our human rights. Stay informed, connected and inspired by our weekly FREE Maverick Citizen newsletter.