Chris Pappas, a 32-year-old white, gay politician, campaigned in the village of Mzimkhulu in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, during a crucial election on Tuesday morning. Pappas is from the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa’s main opposition party. If the DA wins, Pappas could become the premier of KwaZulu-Natal.

He addressed around 70 locals in a decaying village hall, blaming the current state of disrepair and widespread poverty on the African National Congress’s (ANC) 30-year rule. Despite being white and gay, Pappas has garnered significant trust among black residents, due to his effective governance as the mayor of another district.

South Africa is at a pivotal election, 30 years after apartheid ended. The ANC, led by veterans of the anti-apartheid struggle, is at risk of losing its parliamentary majority for the first time and might need to form a coalition. This election has highlighted issues such as corruption, unemployment, and poor public services under ANC rule.

Julius Malema, leader of the Marxist-Leninist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), also plays a crucial role. Known for his radical views and nationalist rhetoric, Malema’s EFF advocates for nationalization of banks and mines and expropriation of land without compensation.

The election may determine whether South Africa moves toward a more competitive democracy or becomes more politically fragmented.