As the candidate lists for the 2026 Local Government Elections are finalised, one trend is hard to miss, the rise of personality politics in small and emerging parties. From reality TV stars to former celebrities and academics and podcasters, parties appear to be banking on name recognition over track record to win votes. So what does this say about the quality of our democracy? Are we voting for people or for policies and promises made in manifestos? To answer this and more, we spoke to  Dr. Kagiso Pooe, Public Policy specialist and at the African school of Governance in Rwanda, to unpack the politics of personalities.

<p>As the candidate lists for the 2026 Local Government Elections are finalised, one trend is hard to miss, the rise of personality politics in small and emerging parties. From reality TV stars to former celebrities and academics and podcasters, parties appear to be banking on name recognition over track record to win votes. So what does this say about the quality of our democracy? Are we voting for people or for policies and promises made in manifestos? To answer this and more, we spoke to&nbsp; Dr. Kagiso Pooe, Public Policy specialist and at the African school of Governance in Rwanda, to unpack the politics of personalities.</p>

News and Current Affairs show between 5 & 6 am on SAfm 104 to 107 anchored by Tsepiso Makwetla

First Take SA

A weekly news and current affairs show presented by Elvis Presslin on SAfm 104 to 107 from 5:00 to 6:00 am.

<p>A weekly news and current affairs show presented by Elvis Presslin on SAfm 104 to 107 from 5:00 to 6:00 am.</p>