South African DJ and radio personality DJ Zan-D has revealed why he no longer intends to support a particular political party in the 2026 Local Government Elections, pointing to municipal regulations he believes have made it increasingly difficult for entertainment industry professionals to earn a living.
The veteran DJ shared his views in a post on X, reflecting on his experiences working in the entertainment industry in municipalities governed by the unnamed political party.
According to Zan-D, restrictive event bylaws and what he considers excessive regulations have placed unnecessary obstacles in the way of DJs, promoters and other entertainment professionals.
“Having worked in the entertainment industry for years, I’ve experienced firsthand how this one particular party made life difficult for us through restrictive event bylaws and excessive regulations in the metros they governed, making it harder for us to earn a living. I will not vote for a party that has made our lives unnecessarily difficult. There’s a difference between maintaining order and making it unnecessarily difficult for people to earn a living,” he wrote.
DJ Zan-D Takes Issue With Municipal Event Regulations
Zan-D’s criticism centres on the impact municipal policies can have on people whose income depends on live entertainment, nightlife and event production.
Requirements involving event permits, noise restrictions and other compliance measures can affect how entertainment businesses operate. While regulations are necessary to protect communities and ensure public safety, Zan-D believes they should not become unnecessary barriers to economic activity.
His position highlights the difficult balance municipalities must strike between maintaining order and creating an environment in which businesses and creative professionals can operate successfully.
A Career Built Across South African Entertainment
Having spent more than two decades in the South African entertainment industry, Zan-D has built a reputation as a DJ, producer and radio personality.
His career includes a stint at YFM, a role as resident DJ on e.tv’s Club 808, and contributions to the growth of local music through radio and club culture.
His experience gives his comments a personal dimension, particularly because DJs, promoters, venue operators and event organisers often depend on municipal approval and workable regulations to keep their businesses running.
Zan-D Keeps the Political Party’s Identity Under Wraps
Although Zan-D made it clear that one political party has lost his support, he did not identify the party in his post.
His comments nevertheless raise broader questions about the relationship between local government and South Africa’s creative economy. Municipal decisions can influence where events take place, how venues operate and whether entertainment businesses can remain financially sustainable.
With voters choosing municipal leadership for the next five years, Zan-D’s position adds another perspective to the election conversation: the importance of policies that support people trying to make a living in the creative and entertainment sectors.
For the DJ, maintaining public order is important, but so is ensuring that regulations do not make it unnecessarily difficult for people to work.
Do you agree with DJ Zan-D that municipal regulations can place too much pressure on the entertainment industry?
