Chatsworth residents recently protested against proposed tariff increases.
Image: Yoshini Perumal
POLITICAL analysts are observing significant shifts in the Indian community's voting behaviour as South Africa approaches the 2026 local government elections (LGE), with service delivery becoming a pivotal factor in their choices.
Once seen as a reliable bloc vote, analysts now argue that voters of Indian descent are becoming increasingly discerning in their political choices, influenced by a host of factors, particularly service delivery.
Dr Lubna Nadvi said one could no longer talk about the “Indian vote” as a bloc vote.
“South Africans of Indian origin have become far more discerning and nuanced in their voter choices. In particular, those who live in townships like Chatsworth and Phoenix are very critical of most of the parties that have been in power in those areas for the last several years. According to citizens in the area, these parties have failed them in multiple ways.”
Nadvi said it was unlikely that the parties that had not delivered and improved services in these spaces, would retain electoral support in the LGE.
“There have been some new parties that have entered the terrain which may appeal to these voters depending on the message and party manifestos. Only time will tell how these communities will cast their votes, but in all likelihood it will not be for parties that have been in power in the recent past.”
Dr Imraan Buccus said the Indian community could not be thought of as a homogeneous or monolithic community.
“People vote for particular parties for different reasons. We also know that people vote for parties based on their personal interest.”
Buccus said while the ANC might have been historically popular in communities like Chatsworth, they have lost the Indian vote to a “very large” extent.
“I think this is due to the erosion of the non-racial nature of the ANC and its absolutely dismal performance in terms of service delivery.”
Buccus said the DA would benefit from this.
“I think the DA has come to be seen as a party that does well at service delivery. There might be some critiques of the DA in terms of its role in international relations, but I think people vote based on their immediate interest, and that immediate interest is about service delivery. So I think the DA will garner a great deal of the votes compared to even some of the smaller parties.”
Professor Bhekithemba Mngomezulu said he believed there would be loyalty to parties.
“In KZN, for example, there is a significant number of members of the Indian community who have strong ties with the IFP and they have traditionally voted with the IFP. I don't see them changing this time just because Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi is no longer there.
“Then if you look at the ANC in Gauteng, there has been a strong connection between the Indian community and the party. I also don't see them voting differently just because the ANC is currently having its own problems. However, it also can depend on their location and the dominant party in that area which can influence how they vote.”
Thabani Khumalo,said due to the frustration of lack of service delivery, he believed voters could look to new parties to make a change.
“Almost all local governments are dysfunctional. Everybody, across racial lines, is not happy with the way local government is working. But I believe, like in 1994, the citizens will definitely vote for new parties or replacement parties. They are so frustrated that they are going to give the new parties an opportunity to deliver on what the old ruling parties could not.”