The fate of most of the independent candidates standing for local government looks dim.

Independent election analyst, Dawie Scholtz says that this is the struggle for many as they cannot afford to sustain a campaign.

He says that the expense of branding like posters and radio and television ads often sink independents’ campaigns as they do not have the financial backings that the established parties do.

Scholtz also notes that voters associate with political party brands and have more trust for them than unknown individuals.

He says that it’s rare that independents can successfully attain a seat in local government.