Potholes, politics, and reason to hope

I left the ANC after 7 October wondering whether I would ever again feel the excitement I had about politics. Two and a half years later, after a mayoral debate, meetings with political parties across the spectrum, more than 120 election observers, and one very memorable election day, I found my answer. And it was right here in Johannesburg. 

My name is Gabi Farber Cohen and I am the youth and political liaison at the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD). When I first started this job, I wondered whether it would be as exciting and invigorating as working in the ANC. Would I make the same impact? Would I still be able to bring about change? 

Two and a half years and two elections later, I can proudly say yes. 

Johannesburg, the city we love most, is undoubtedly in crisis. There are potholes on almost every road, and the revolving door of mayors is enough to test even the most loyal Joburger. New challenges seem to emerge daily. But beneath all of that is a city with a beating heart: vibrant and friendly people, beautiful sunsets, and residents who love Johannesburg despite all its frustrations. 

The local government elections presented an opportunity to turn a new leaf. My goal was simple: get our community to vote, help ensure free and fair elections, and strengthen our relationships with the political leaders shaping the future of our city. 

We started with the Great Mayoral Debate, bringing together parties from across the political spectrum, from the ANC to the Freedom Front Plus (FF+). With cocktails themed around “Brewing a Better Joburg”, a Jozi Tequila Sunrise, a Shweshwe Johannesburg skyline, and a giant Joburg sign that people proudly posed with, we created an evening that was as much about community as it was about politics. Most importantly, we reached young and old, religious and secular, encouraging everyone to come and be informed. 

I also visited schools to encourage matrics to register to vote. Watching 18-year-olds pull out their IDs and register for the first time was moving. This generation, contrary to what we might assume from their TikTok feeds, is engaged. They want to participate, belong, and make a difference. Seeing their excitement reminded me why civic participation matters. 

In the weeks leading up to the elections, we met with mayoral candidates and delegations from across the political spectrum. We hosted the Patriotic Alliance at the RTG restaurant, where community members approached Kenny Kunene for photographs, thanking him for standing with our community during difficult times. We took Helen Zille to Frangelicas, where children in school uniform innocently ran up to tell her they’d told their parents that they had to vote for her. We hosted the Inkatha Freedom Party for lunch at our offices and shared our archives, including our historical files on its founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. We also engaged with the Umkhonto weSizwe Party, FF+, African Christian Democratic Party, and ActionSA. 

One of the biggest lessons I have learnt in this role is that engaging with politicians doesn’t mean agreeing with them. It means showing up, asking questions, building relationships, and making sure the Jewish community has a seat at the table. We cannot afford to engage only with those who think like us, or to build relationships only when we need something. Our community needs to be present across the political spectrum. 

Then came election day. More than 120 SAJBD election observers, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims, volunteered across all nine provinces to help ensure free and fair elections. Our observers reported that most voting stations were functioning well, with professional electoral officials, moving queues, and efficient processes. There were minor hiccups, but it was encouraging to see that issues raised in previous elections had been addressed. 

Throughout the day, community members approached us at voting stations to say they hadn’t planned on voting, but after seeing our messages and encouragement, had changed their minds to come out to cast their ballots. Hearing that made all the posters, school visits, and conversations worthwhile. Sometimes making a difference is as simple as giving someone that final push to participate. 

My own day at Summerwood Primary School is something I will never forget. Families arrived with their children, eager to show them what participating in democracy looks like. At 07:00, one family arrived with their children in their pyjamas. Their mother explained that the children had insisted on coming with to get their thumbs marked, so they could show their friends at school that they had voted! We assisted a 90-year-old Jewish woman and several people with disabilities to cast their votes. The energy was extraordinary. 

The following day, at the results centre with my colleague Wendy Kahn [SAJBD national director], we were warmly greeted by political leaders from across the spectrum. Whether celebrating or disappointed with their results, many remarked how happy they were to see the Jewish community present. 

And that, for me, is what it is all about. 

Two and a half years ago, I wondered whether I would ever feel that same sense of excitement, purpose, and ability to make a difference again. I have my answer. 

I may not be sitting in Parliament with the ANC anymore, but I am sitting at Beyachad, in the heart of our Jewish community, in the city I call home. I’ve realised that making a difference doesn’t necessarily mean being in Parliament. Sometimes it means getting 18-year-olds to register, getting someone who wasn’t planning to vote to change their mind, helping ensure elections are free and fair, or simply making sure our community has a seat at the table. 

Johannesburg is far from perfect. But on 4 November, I was reminded that it is full of people who care enough to make it better. And perhaps that is reason enough to be hopeful. 

• Gabi Farber Cohen is youth and political liaison at the South African Jewish Board of Deputies.