Party abbreviation: AZAPO
The Azanian People’s Organisation was formed in September 1979.
It advocates for Black empowerment and pride, drawing inspiration from Black Conscious Movement philosophies of Steve Biko, Onkgopotse Tiro, Strini Moodley and Vuyelwa Mashalaba.
The party’s leader is listed as Strike Thokoane.
Azapo has been contesting in all the country’s elections since 1999.
It had boycotted the 1994 polls.
This year – it will be contesting for seats in the national and all nine provincial legislatures of South Africa.
While the party’s philosophy resonates with many Black South Africans – infighting and failure to sell the party’s ideology have been seen as Azapo’s major weaknesses.
The party failed to secure enough votes for a seat in the National Assembly in 2014 and hopes to reverse its declining fortunes this year.
