The African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) share a common goal of improving policing, but have different approaches.

The ANC prioritises community policing, emphasising the involvement of local communities in crime prevention. On the other hand, the DA advocates for a more professional and well-equipped police force.

Interestingly, a compatibility test has shown that if the ANC and DA were to form a coalition, their combined efforts could effectively decrease crime rates.

Independent social economist and business and process consultant, Louis Kruger has measured the parties’ compatibility, by analysing their policies, media responses and press releases, public sentiment surveys and case studies.

“After evaluating the potential outcomes of various coalition arrangements following the 2024 South African elections, I believe that a partnership between the ANC and DA could have a positive impact on public safety and crime reduction in the country.”

Kruger said the ANC and DA‘s take on public safety and crime are:

• Policing Strategies: Both parties want better policing but have different methods. ANC focuses on community policing, while DA wants more professional and well-resourced police.
• Crime Prevention: ANC believes in community programs to prevent crime, while DA wants to use data and evidence to create effective strategies.
• Judicial Reforms: Both want a better judicial system, but the DA pushes more for accountability and speed.
• Corruption: Both agree on fighting corruption, but the DA is stricter about transparency.
• Resource Allocation: ANC wants resources spread fairly across communities, while DA focuses on using resources efficiently and transparently.“

“By combining their respective 40.18% and 21.81% vote shares, the ANC and DA would represent a majority of the population and could form a moderate, more stable coalition government. This political stability and centrist approach could send positive signals to the business community, encouraging investment and economic growth. In turn, increased economic opportunities and social programs aimed at addressing the root causes of crime could contribute to a safer public environment.”

“While no political solution is perfect, an ANC-DA coalition has the potential to strike a balance between the parties’ differing perspectives and prioritise the common goal of improving public safety for all South Africans,” Kruger explained.

Independent researcher on policing, David Bruce told ProtectionWeb a coalition “certainly could” lead to crime reduction.

“It would depend on appointing a minister who is strongly motivated to improve public safety and is suitable for the job in terms of being able to negotiate both the political and the policy side of the issue. Generally we have had ministers who are politicians but who neglect the need for strategic policy on how to strengthen the police,” he said.