Chief Whip of the leading opposition party, John Steenhuisen, has accused the African National Congress (ANC) of mobilising using race.
"I think there is a very nasty tone that has been set," claimed the Democratic Alliance (DA) member.
"It's very clear the ANC have chosen to mobilise on race so everything they spew out now is race-based. They are looking for invective to appeal to their core voters."