Now that election season is in full swing in South Africa, many political parties are clamouring for votes in a last-ditch attempt to win at the polls, come May 29.
One such party is the Democratic Alliance (DA). With a stronghold in the Western Cape, the John Steenhuisen-led organisation went all in when they released their newest campaign ad on television and social media.
The 30-second clip opens with an image of the South African flag burning to ashes, while a voiceover says: “In this election, for the first time in 30 years, the ANC will lose its majority. But they will do anything to stay in power”.
To add fuel to the flames, (no pun intended) the DA ended with: “This election is all about survival.”
Many took issue with the ad, calling it distasteful and unpatriotic.
Former Public Protector Professor Thuli Madonsela entered the heated conversation on X, sharing her fear that “the designer of the campaign may be harbouring unconscious rage against our flag and what it symbolises.”
Thuli, you were once our Public Protector. You saw first hand the destruction of our corrupt leadership, and you were great at your job.
It’s strange to me how you don’t see the symbolism of the ad. It’s not made to disrespect the flag, but to warn against the dangers of…
— The Kiffness (@TheKiffness) May 6, 2024
Not long after, The Kiffness, real name David Scott, responded to her post and defended the burning of the flag, saying: “It’s strange to me how you don’t see the symbolism of the ad. It’s not made to disrespect the flag, but to warn against the dangers of voting in another corrupt government.
“How is that not clear? Perhaps you are harbouring unconscious rage towards a government that can actually reverse the burning & decay of our country?” he continued.
Scott has long been a stern advocate for the DA while voicing his concerns about the ANC-led government.
Most of his hot takes have proven controversial. This time was no different as X users took him to task and vehemently reminded him they would not be voting for the DA.
Action SA’s Henriette Frolich didn’t mince her words and said: “@TheKiffness since when did a national flag represent the governing party? I am deeply disappointed at your level of understanding. The overwhelming national outrage at @Our_DA seeking to score political points by burning our national flag, a symbol of unity & freedom is real. Your true self is revealed.”
Words: Fame Frenzy
