Being a politician in South Africa can look like a rather complicated career choice. There is influence, status and access to decision-making. There are also tenders, municipal budgets and plenty of people who want what you have.
With local government elections approaching, the risks deserve a closer look. Here is the good, the bad and the downright ugly of political life.
WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT BEING A POLITICIAN?
Let us start with the perks, because nobody enters politics hoping for a miserable time. Political office can provide income, influence and a platform to improve communities.
A successful politician can also build a career, gain public recognition and climb towards higher office.
There is, however, a catch.
Influence over public resources can become tempting when politics and personal interests collide.
Corruption Watch has warned that political office can be viewed as an economic opportunity rather than public service.
WHY CAN BEING IN SUCH A POSITION BE DANGEROUS?
The bad news is that politics in South Africa can carry risks far beyond angry social media comments.
Julian Rademeyer of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime is quoted as saying that nearly 200 political assassination cases have been documented since 2000.
Around 56% occurred during local government election years.
In 2026, his research recorded 23 suspected political assassination incidents involving 26 deaths across five provinces.
Municipal tenders, resources and political positions can fuel deadly competition. That makes campaigning look rather less like handing out pamphlets and rather more like choosing your parking spot carefully.
COULD CORRUPTION MAKE A POLITICIAN RICH?
This is where the ugly temptation enters the room wearing an expensive suit.
Access to tenders and public resources can create opportunities for corruption. The problem is that corruption does not magically become legal because someone has a political title.
There is also the small matter of consequences.
Rademeyer says contract killings can sometimes involve payments ranging from about R5 000 to R100 000. He also warns of a growing sense of impunity around political violence.
So, is being a politician worth it?
For those who genuinely want to serve, politics can offer a route to change lives.
For anyone attracted by easy money and power, the fine print looks considerably less appealing.
South Africa’s 2026 local government elections are scheduled for 4 November. The challenge is ensuring that ambition wins through ballots, not bullets.
