The most bizarre promise of this local government election campaign was made by the EFF to Abathembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.
Julius Malema speaks during the EFFs Tshela Thupa Rally that was held in Katlehong on 29 October 2021. Picture: Neil McCartney
After receiving a cow from the party, the king revealed he had been promised a Mercedes-Benz ML, “a vehicle fit for a king”, according to him. Putting aside the fact that the EFF has promised the king a discontinued vehicle in a desperate bid to get his endorsement, it is simply crass and distasteful that a leader can publicly declare his vote is for sale.
Contrary to what the nation keeps getting told, that this is a young democracy, previous election results have proven that it is a maturing democracy and voters cannot be taken for granted any more. The election results in those areas were foregone conclusions. And that bred arrogance in the ruling party – arrogance that bred campaign slogans like “we will rule until Jesus comes” and “Asinavalo” .