News24 | Top 7 head-scratching moments: SA’s election season unveils a circus of politics

1. ANC’s Door-to-Door Campaign Turns into Household Chore Service

In a novel and somewhat eccentric approach to campaigning, the African National Congress (ANC) decided to go beyond the traditional door-to-door canvassing. Party members, including high-profile figures like deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane and Eastern Cape ANC chairperson Oscar Mabuyane, took to performing household chores for voters. This included cooking meals, washing dishes, doing laundry, and even carrying firewood in rural communities.

This strategy was intended to demonstrate the ANC’s commitment to grassroots engagement and empathy with everyday struggles. However, many observers found the tactic puzzling and questioned its effectiveness, wondering if such acts of service could genuinely sway voters or if it risked appearing patronizing.

The campaign’s unusual nature sparked widespread discussion on social media and news platforms, with some praising the personal touch while others viewed it as a political gimmick. It remains to be seen whether this hands-on approach will translate into electoral gains for the ANC.

2. Julius Malema’s Unforgettable ‘Snot-Tastic’ Speech Moment

EFF leader Julius Malema delivered a memorable and rather humanizing moment during his manifesto launch at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium. Midway through his speech, Malema was visibly disrupted by a large mucus discharge that caught the attention of the crowd and social media users alike.

Despite this awkward interruption, Malema displayed remarkable composure by continuing his address without missing a beat. The incident quickly went viral, with many commentators and meme-makers humorously dubbing it the ‘snot-tastic’ moment of the election season.

This episode highlighted the unpredictable nature of live political events and underscored Malema’s resilience under pressure, even as it offered a rare instance of levity amid the often serious and heated election discourse.

3. John Steenhuisen’s ‘Dubul’inyanga’ Speech Sparks Confusion

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen bewildered many with his cryptic use of the term ‘Dubul’inyanga’ during the party’s manifesto launch. The phrase, which translates roughly to ‘shoot the healer,’ led to widespread speculation about its intent and target, with some interpreting it as a controversial reference to traditional healers or specific communities like Nyanga township.

Steenhuisen later clarified that his remarks were aimed at the so-called ‘moonshot pact’—a coalition of opposition parties seeking to unseat the ANC. However, the initial ambiguity caused a backlash on social media, with users mocking his choice of words and his awkward dance moves during the speech.

This moment underscored the challenges politicians face in crafting messages that resonate clearly with diverse audiences, as well as the potential pitfalls of using culturally sensitive or ambiguous language in high-stakes political contexts.

4. MP Boy Mamabolo’s Public Battle Over Candidate List Removal

ANC Member of Parliament Boy Mamabolo publicly contested his removal from the party’s candidate list, claiming it was an unlawful act driven by internal factionalism. Mamabolo emphasized the negative impact this decision would have on his family’s financial stability, particularly for his minor children, highlighting the personal toll of political infighting.

The ANC countered Mamabolo’s claims by citing his failure to provide a matric qualification as the official reason for his disqualification. Additionally, the party questioned the legitimacy of his paralegal diploma, expressing skepticism about his qualifications as a legal adviser based on the courses he completed.

This public dispute exposed the complexities and internal tensions within the ANC’s candidate selection process and raised questions about transparency, meritocracy, and the influence of factional politics in shaping electoral outcomes.

5. The Dagga King’s Political Flip-Flop Confounds Supporters

Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, the self-proclaimed ‘Dagga King’ and AbaThembu monarch, surprised many by attending an ANC rally dressed in party regalia despite previously endorsing the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). This unexpected move left political analysts and supporters puzzled about his true political allegiance.

The confusion deepened when Dalindyebo reaffirmed his support for the EFF during a subsequent campaign event in the Eastern Cape, contradicting his earlier appearance at the ANC rally. His vacillating stance has sparked widespread speculation about his motivations, with some suggesting strategic opportunism while others point to personal or political pressures.

Dalindyebo’s flip-flop exemplifies the fluid and sometimes unpredictable nature of political loyalties in South Africa’s election landscape, where traditional leaders and influential figures can sway between parties in surprising ways.

6. Makhosi Khoza’s Unexpected Reconciliation with Jacob Zuma

Makhosi Khoza, a former ANC leader known for her vocal criticism of ex-president Jacob Zuma—whom she once labeled a ‘disgrace and dishonourable leader’—shocked the political sphere by posting a photo with Zuma on social media. This act hinted at a possible alliance with Zuma’s new political party, sparking intense speculation and debate.

Khoza’s sudden U-turn raised questions about the factors driving her change of heart, including political pragmatism, shifting ideological positions, or strategic calculations ahead of the elections. The move also ignited discussions about the broader implications for ANC unity and opposition dynamics.

This reconciliation underscores the complex and often unpredictable nature of South African political relationships, where past animosities can give way to new alliances in the quest for power and influence.

7. Patriotic Alliance’s 10th Birthday Celebration Descends into Chaos

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) marked its 10th anniversary with a celebration at Orlando Stadium in Soweto. However, the event quickly devolved into chaos, overshadowing the party’s milestone. Party leader Gayton McKenzie’s impassioned and sometimes confrontational speeches about immigration failed to engage a sizable audience, leading to a lackluster atmosphere.

The event’s disorganization and sparse attendance raised concerns about the PA’s current political relevance and organizational strength as it seeks to expand its voter base. Observers noted that the party’s messaging and leadership style might need recalibration to resonate more effectively with South African voters.

Despite the setbacks, the PA’s decade-long existence highlights its persistence in South Africa’s multiparty democracy and its ongoing efforts to carve out a distinct political identity amid fierce competition.

Conclusion

The 2024 South African election season has delivered a political spectacle filled with moments that challenge conventional expectations of political conduct. From the ANC’s hands-on campaign tactics to the unpredictable shifts in political loyalties and public gaffes by prominent leaders, these episodes provide a window into the country’s vibrant and often tumultuous democratic process. While some moments elicited laughter and confusion, others highlighted serious issues of party factionalism and political strategy. As South Africa heads to the polls, these head-scratching events remind voters that the political landscape is as complex and colorful as ever, underscoring the importance of critical engagement and informed decision-making.