Darren Campher, the newly appointed head of research at the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party), has swiftly become a key figure in the party’s rise as one of South Africa's most rapidly growing political entities.
In an interview with IOL's editor Lance Witten, Campher discussed his role, the party’s trajectory, and the broader political landscape, offering insight into the research process behind the scenes and the motivations driving the party’s momentum.
As head of research, Campher’s primary responsibility is to equip MK’s Members of Parliament (MPs) with critical, relevant data to inform their work in portfolio committees.
“We provide MPs with information that helps them in their discussions and decision-making, from drafting motions and speeches to gathering insights for campaign proposals,” Campher explained.
He leads a dynamic team, fluctuating between seven and ten members, tasked with producing thorough yet digestible research that helps MPs speak with conviction and clarity on important issues.
A significant part of Campher’s role involves tackling complex policy issues.
He illustrated his process with a hypothetical example: if tasked with analysing a proposal to raise the Basic Income Grant by R150 per person, his team would begin by reviewing the current framework, historical limitations, and potential fiscal impact.
“We split the task into various directions, looking at budget feasibility, taxation, and past proposals to fund similar initiatives,” he said.
The result is a concise, clear report that MPs can use to effectively advocate for policies, grounded in solid evidence.
MKP's rapid rise can also be attributed to its appeal to people disillusioned by traditional political structures.
The party has attracted several prominent figures, including Campher himself, who transitioned from being a supporter of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to joining MKP.
He acknowledged the criticisms that come with political switches but expressed that MK’s stance on economic progressivism and social inclusivity ultimately aligned with his values.
“It was about finding a space where my values were in sync with the party’s direction,” he said, referencing MK’s emphasis on equality and anti-discrimination, which he saw as crucial for building a more inclusive society.
Campher’s reflections on the broader political spectrum offer an intriguing perspective.
He pointed out the global rise of right-wing nationalism, which he sees as a natural reaction to the left’s push for change.
"The right is becoming visually more impactful because the status quo is being challenged," he observed.
However, he remains hopeful that progressive policies — such as National Health Insurance and improved social support systems — will continue to garner broad support, citing their potential to foster equity and inclusivity.
While Campher acknowledged the importance of national and provincial elections being based on ideologies, he stressed that municipal elections should be rooted in addressing day-to-day issues faced by citizens.
“National and provincial elections need to be decided based on ideologies,” said Campher.
"But when it comes to next year, I want us to leapfrog to municipal elections. That becomes about people's day-to-day lives and service delivery."
He elaborated that municipal elections should centre on practical concerns such as potholes, unreliable water, electricity supply, and unsafe environments.
"Are my potholes getting fixed? Do I have running water? Do I have electricity? Is it safe for my children?" These, according to Campher, are the real issues that should drive local political discourse, rather than grand ideological promises.
A key factor behind MKP's success is its deep connection with the people it serves.
Campher reflects, “I’ve worked with people from various backgrounds, and many of them have a very real understanding of what people go through on the ground.”
Despite some questioning the backgrounds of certain MK leaders, Campher believes that the party’s ideology is rooted in a genuine connection to the lived experiences of the populace. This understanding of people’s struggles, Campher argues, will resonate with voters in local elections.
Discussing the Democratic Alliance (DA) and its reputation for efficient service delivery, Campher pointed out that the public’s perception is largely driven by the DA’s powerful PR machinery.
"Why do the public feel that the DA is the best-run city in the country? Because they've got great PR machinery," he said.
This constant media reinforcement has allowed the DA to position itself as a model of clean governance, particularly in Cape Town.
However, Campher suggests that MKP doesn’t need to compete on PR alone. Instead, it should focus on grassroots work and educating the electorate about real issues.
“We don’t have to do the work of breaking the stereotype of clean audits while there are still cases of corruption,” he explained.
“What we need to do is empower people with the knowledge of socioeconomics and politics so they can hold us accountable.”
A crucial part of the MKP’s mission is to cultivate a politically and economically aware electorate.
“The reality is, we need to give people such an intricate understanding of socioeconomics and politics that they can apply it to their daily lives,” Campher said.
He believes that empowering citizens with this knowledge allows them to critically assess party policies and hold leaders accountable, regardless of political affiliation.
Campher recognises that this task is monumental but essential.
He stresses that voters must understand not only the politics of the moment but also the long-term implications of various ideologies.
“You can’t just promise things like free education or healthcare without understanding how these policies will affect the economy and the broader social fabric,” he said.
Central to the conversation was the realisation that South African citizens are not fully aware of the power they hold in shaping the country's future.
“I think a key indicator that the electorate doesn't understand is how much power they have is that politicians are not scared,” Campher said.
He believes that if the electorate fully understood how much policies shape their lives, politicians and CEOs would be far more accountable.
Campher argues that when citizens realise the power they hold as a collective, it becomes much harder for political elites to exploit them.
He suggests that the lack of information is intentional — if voters were more knowledgeable about the socio-economic systems and how policy decisions affect them, the political landscape would look very different.
“Politicians would be terrified if the public truly understood how much they control,” he emphasised.
The lack of political education, he believes, allows politicians to act without fear of consequences, keeping citizens in the dark about their true power.
For Campher and the MKP, the path forward is about more than just winning elections—it’s about empowering the electorate to critically assess policies and hold political leaders accountable.
This empowerment includes educational initiatives that help voters understand how government works and the socio-economic forces at play.
Campher said his team is already working on several projects to educate the public, including research publications aimed at providing objective, easily accessible information.
“We need to educate the public on socioeconomics, politics, and ideology so they can better assess the policies of the parties they support,” Campher said.
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