The seemingly positive reaction to the news of Eugene Terre'Blanche's supposed return to politics got me thinking: the overwhelming majority of South Africans have yet to learn that political allegiance is not something that should be based on race.

This sad truth is rammed home by the staunch support ANCYL leader Julius Malema has managed to develop, despite (or perhaps due to?) his often racist ramblings.

Unfortunately, South Africans of all races continue to take an 'us versus them' stance. Questions such as: "who is looking out for us?"; "who will take up the fight against them"; and "who will defend our heritage?" are constantly posed as disillusioned voters search for a new political home. Each time I hear such a question, I cringe.

Cultural heritage is not something that needs defending and is not something that can be taken away. Despite it playing a prominent role in terms of where you come from, it shouldn't dictate where you are going. Heritage, while important to many, can become a divisive factor. As we cling to our respective heritages, failing to define ourselves as 'just' South Africans, a plethora of subdivisions become entrenched.

Surely the voter should be examining the policies of each party before making a decision on political allegiance? Surely the broader principles in areas important to the voter should be what determine which party he or she supports? Surely the historical demographics of a party and the race of the current leader are not nearly as important, if at all, as its view on, say, health, education and crime?

Now, if you're nodding in agreement while reaching for the 'uneducated masses' card, ask yourself this: how much reading did you do on the policies of the 26 parties which contested the national elections? Do you have any idea of the strategy of the party for which you voted?

Or did you just vote for the candidate who looked the most like you? Or the party which has been supported by members of your race for years?

In other words, many of the so-called degreed professionals out there are not politically educated at all. Far from it, in fact.

Voter education is not something that should be reserved for the townships. Those with the means have the responsibility to educate themselves.

There is little point going to the polls if race determines which box you mark. We may as well just work out the demographics of the country, assign each race a political party, and dish out power according to the numbers.

And while the results may not be all that different to the way things are right now, that simply wouldn't be democracy.

We've got nearly five years before the next general elections. Let's hope that is enough time for South Africans to learn to vote with their minds, and not with their skin.

Will South Africa ever move away from voting by race? Leave a comment below...

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