Hi tychecat. I am glad to hear from you. Much of the voting is still along racial and tribal lines. The African National Congress is primarily an African party of black people but they have many tribes in their fold. The Democratic Alliance was traditionally a more white party but they have done a lot to move towards being a multi racial party and has shown convincingly now that they have a members of all races in their fold. The Economic Freedom Fighters are a new party and not build on race or tribe but on the plight of the poor and a call for socialism. Although mostly black people their aims are less focused on race based politics. The Inkatha Freedom Party and the National Freedom Party are both primarily from the Zulu tribe.

I am employed by the Parliament which is independent from the Executive government. Parliament represents the people and serve all the parties without bias or preference. My position is therefore not dependent on any particular party being in office.

South Africa’s democracy is built primarily around our constitution which is robust and probably one of the most advanced constitutions. It represents to a large degree the common set of values that bind us together since it was the product of multiple parties working together to negotiate a common set of principles that will guide us along. Cultural values will remain diverse in South Africa but almost all look at the constitution as the principle legislative framework that unite South Africans irrespective of culture. In terms of voter education, I do think a large percentage is well educated but many people don’t vote for a idea but rather vote for a political party since that party is part of their identity.