Understanding the Roots of Political Polarisation in South Africa
Political polarisation has become a significant challenge for democracies around the world, and South Africa is no exception. This phenomenon is often described as a “hyper-problem” because it complicates the resolution of social conflicts and can threaten the very foundations of democratic governance. When society becomes divided into mutually antagonistic groups, the ability to find common ground through peaceful means diminishes, leading to increased political violence, loss of trust in public institutions, and a decline in support for democratic values.
South Africa’s history of colonialism and apartheid has left deep scars that continue to influence the country’s social and political landscape. These historical injustices created entrenched racial hierarchies that still contribute to division today. Despite efforts to address large-scale social, economic, and land redress since the transition to democracy 35 years ago, the country continues to face significant inequalities. These disparities make reconciliation and equitable development complex and ongoing challenges.
In Southern Africa, polarisation manifests in various forms, including everyday life, public discourse, and political arenas. Social media platforms have amplified these divisions by spreading digital information rapidly, often reflecting and exacerbating existing tensions. Growing distrust in institutions, economic inequality, and social exclusion fuel resentment and reinforce group-based rhetoric and antagonism.
In South Africa, the legacies of apartheid, racial injustice, and economic disparity continue to shape how citizens engage with democracy and each other. Disagreements over policies such as Black Economic Empowerment (BEE), land reform, and migration have led to opposing beliefs and sentiments between different groups, further entrenching divides across race, class, ideology, and generations.
A recent survey conducted by DWF in 2025 highlighted the growing concerns about polarisation in South Africa. Most respondents believed that polarisation has worsened over time, driven by structural socio-economic conditions and sociological and political perspectives. Several factors contribute to this perceived risk, including:
- Economic inequality as the primary driver of worsening polarisation
- Political polarisation
- Social polarisation: racial, spatial, and identity-based divides
- The intersectionality of social and economic grievances
- Perceived erosion of democratic values and public trust
- The role and influence of (social) media, including mis/disinformation campaigns
The survey also revealed that polarisation affects multiple dimensions of society, including political, racial, generational, class, gender, and tribal lines. While diverse viewpoints are essential in a healthy democracy, the intensification of hostility and fragmentation threatens South Africa’s ability to build meaningful social cohesion and common ground. Political polarisation can deepen mistrust between citizens and institutions, between generations with differing political memories, and between identity groups competing for recognition and participation in governance processes.
In a context of persistent inequality, high youth unemployment, the crisis of gender-based violence and femicide, and declining faith in governance, rising political polarisation is often amplified through political rhetoric, social media echo chambers, and identity-based politics and narratives. This has led to the creation of spaces like the Cool Politics Café, which provides an open and honest platform for reflection through intergenerational dialogue.
The Cool Politics Café: A Platform for Dialogue
The Cool Politics Café aims to unpack how polarisation has taken hold in the context of politics and political expression, and how society might bridge divides to renew democratic solidarity. The theme of the café, “The Politics of Polarisation,” is encapsulated in its tagline: “Different Voices. One Democracy.”
As South Africa prepares for the upcoming municipal elections in 2026, political parties will be vying for votes and support. Political actors often resort to divisive rhetoric during elections, blaming migrants or certain identity groups for social ills such as poverty, crime, and unemployment to rally support. Migration, nationality, race, and belonging become key battlegrounds of identity politics, particularly in marginalised communities where competition for scarce resources is more acute.
The Cool Politics Café will confront how political incentives reshape discourse and deepen divides. It will scrutinise the role of political actors in fanning polarization and bring into focus the role of political leaders, social justice activists, academics, and the youth in interrogating political polarisation and its impact. The dialogue will also explore de-polarisation strategies through experience and examples of nation and community building and ways in which social cohesion can be supported and nurtured.
Aims and Objectives of the Cool Politics Café
The Cool Politics Café aims to:
- Unpack the roots, dynamics, and impacts of political polarisation in South Africa across ideological, racial, generational, gender, and tribal lines.
- Understand the key topics that are being used by politicians and other influential actors to further polarise society.
- Explore the role of the GNU and the proposed national dialogue process in minimising political polarisation and building consensus for policy development.
Expected outcomes include participants gaining a deeper understanding of what causes political polarisation, how it manifests, and the broader impact on democracy-building in South Africa. The event also aims to foster mutual understanding and shared strategies for engagement, while sharing ideas and recommendations that can strengthen social cohesion and inclusive democracy.
Key Participants
Moderator:Tsholofelo Nakedi, Community Advocacy Specialist, Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR)
Speakers:Mavuso Msimang, South African civil servant and politician, Co-founder of African Parks
Zulaikha Patel – Anti-racism activist, Founder & Director, Dare to Change
Mbali Ntuli – politician (former member of DA), Founder & CEO of Ground Work Collective