Uncovering the engagement methods of South African politicians during the 2021 municipal elections through sentiment analysis.
Researcher: Nonhlanhla Ngwenya, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Supervisor: Prof. Rod Alence, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
The period leading up to the 2021 municipal elections was highly contested amidst a trying socio-economic climate which included a pandemic, rising unemployment and social unrest. Political leaders took their campaigning online as technology continues to transform society. Social media platforms have become increasingly relevant in vying for votes and conveying sentiment. Sentiment analysis was utilized to determine the methods of political discourse of South African political actors in engaging the electorate. Twitter political discourse was found to be polarizing and subjective.