Elections 101: These are the premier candidates vying to run the Western Cape

The elections loom close, and for numerous individuals, particularly South Africa's youth, determining the right party to vote for has stirred considerable anxiety.

Questions like "Am I making the right choice?" and "Do they embody the change I aspire to see?" weigh heavily on many minds.

To alleviate some of these concerns, we've assembled a list featuring several parties' contenders competing for premier in the Western Cape.

ALAN WINDE: DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE (DA)

Alan Winde is a distinguished South African politician and entrepreneur.

Serving as the 8th and incumbent Premier of the Western Cape since 2019, he brings a wealth of experience to the role.

With a tenure dating back to 1999, Winde has been an esteemed Member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, demonstrating his dedication to public service and leadership within the region.

The DA has pledged its commitment to achieving freedom and fairness for all South Africans and establishing a fair society that allows people to utilise their talents and abilities to the full.

AXOLILE NOTYWALA: RISE MZANZI

Axolile Notywala, a seasoned advocate and community organiser, boasts a wealth of experience in activism.

He holds the esteemed position of Lifelong Fellow at the Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity and contributes as a board member to the Philippi Village Project.

According to the party, his track record showcases a remarkable aptitude for leadership and organisational skills within the non-profit realm, having notably served as the National Coordinator for the Right2Know Campaign and as the General Secretary of the Social Justice Coalition.

Rise Mzansi's vision encompasses a South Africa that is safe, prosperous, and united within a single generation.

Their mission is to galvanise citizens into active participation in the collective endeavour of nation-building toward our shared aspirations.

ANGELA SOBEY: ACTIONSA

Angela Sobey spent her childhood in Woodstock until her family was forcefully displaced under the Group Areas Act ending up many kilometres from her original family home..

Engaging actively in anti-apartheid demonstrations, she joined underground organising committees, resulting in her detention by the apartheid authorities.

She held a position at the Department of Justice before being assigned to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as an interpreter, leveraging her proficiency in English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa, and isiZulu - all while being the sole provider for her family.

ActionSA states its core objective is to mend South Africa, fostering a sense of national unity rather than permitting the segregation of communities into separate enclaves, which they believe Sobey will help achieve.

PATRICIA DE LILLE: GOOD PARTY

The party believes that De Lille is the ideal candidate for Premier of the province, as she possesses executive expertise across all three levels of government, guaranteeing voters her steadfast commitment to public service.

De Lille's illustrious career includes roles as a Member of Parliament and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, as well as serving as MEC for Social Development in the Western Cape.

Additionally, she held the esteemed position of Mayor of Cape Town, completing a full five-year term marked by four consecutive clean audits.

The GOOD party envisions a South Africa defined by fairness and equality, where every individual can share in the nation's prosperity.

CORNÉ MULDER: FREEDOM FRONT PLUS (FF PLUS)

Dr. Corné Mulder, a Member of Parliament and the Western Cape leader of the FF Plus, has been designated as the party's Premier Candidate for the Western Cape in the upcoming general elections on 29 May.

Mulder currently holds the top position on the FF Plus's list for the Western Cape Provincial Parliament.

He serves as the FF Plus's Chief Whip in Parliament holding the distinction of being the longest-serving Member of Parliament in South Africa, with an uninterrupted tenure of over 36 years.

Under his leadership, Mulder pledges to champion and cultivate Christian principles and values within communities, uphold law and order, advocate empowerment of Western Cape residents, and discourage the influx of illegal immigrants who compete for job opportunities, prioritising the welfare of our people above all else.

GAYTON MCKENZIE: PATRIOTIC ALLIANCE (PA)

Gayton McKenzie, President of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), will run as the party's nominee for premier in the Western Cape.

McKenzie spent 17 years in prison for robbery. Now a businessman, motivational speaker, author, and former Executive Mayor of the Central Karoo District Municipality in South Africa, McKenzie founded the Patriotic Alliance on 30 November 30 2013 alongside his longtime friend Kenny Kunene.

The PA positions itself as deeply connected to the challenges faced by the coloured community, stating it extends its vision beyond racial lines and strives for a prosperous future for all South African youth.

Looking for some guidance as you prepare for the upcoming election? Dive into these articles for valuable insights and assistance in navigating the voting process: