Why Was Xiaomei Havard Appointed as a Replacement MP in South Africa Given That She Has No Political Experience?

Newly appointed Member of Parliament (MP) for South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC), Xiaomei Havard. Picture: Facebook

Although the overt racist and xenophobic reactions following last month’s appointment by South Africa’s ruling African National Congress of Xiaomei Havard as a replacement member of parliament have largely died down, many party members are now wondering how someone with no previous political experience or other relevant credentials was able to get the seat. 

“Aside from attending a few gatherings of the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL), several Chinese and SA business gatherings, and attending Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) forums, Havard appears to have undertaken no real ANC activism,” wrote The Citizen journalist Eric Naki.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.