South African President Cyril Ramaphosa vehemently condemned a recent campaign advertisement by the Democratic Alliance (DA) as “treasonous,” sparking heightened tensions between political factions in the lead-up to the upcoming election.
The ad, released on Monday, features a burning national flag, symbolizing what the opposition party claims to be the perilous consequences of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) maintaining power through a coalition with leftist groups.
Ramaphosa, speaking to reporters during a visit to Limpopo province, expressed his outrage, labelling the ad as “the most despicable political act” and accusing the DA of disrespecting a symbol of national unity.
The DA, known for its pro-business stance, secured the second-largest share of votes in the previous election five years ago.
With this year’s May 29 election anticipated to be tightly contested, polls suggest the ANC might lose its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid, potentially necessitating coalition governance.
The controversial ad depicts the gradual burning of the flag while a voiceover warns against an undesirable alliance involving the ANC, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and factions linked to former President Jacob Zuma.
Subsequently, an intact flag emerges from the ashes, accompanied by the slogan “Unite to rescue South Africa, vote DA.”
In defence of the ad, Helen Zille, a former DA leader and chairperson of the party’s federal council, emphasized its symbolic significance, asserting that it reflects the erosion of the dream envisioned at the onset of democracy under President Nelson Mandela’s leadership.
Zille further articulated the ad’s intent to prompt a choice between those who support restoring the flag’s ideals, as advocated by the DA, and those aligned with the perceived failures of ANC governance.
DA leader John Steenhuisen characterized the prospect of an ANC-EFF coalition as a “doomsday” scenario for South Africa but did not rule out the possibility of partnering with the ANC in government.
Meanwhile, the ANC has confidently asserted its expectation of victory in the election, dismissing the need for coalition arrangements.
However, recent opinion polls indicate a decline in ANC support, hovering just above 40%.
The contentious nature of the ad underscores the intensity of political competition in South Africa and the divergent visions for the country’s future, with each party seeking to mobilize support by framing the election as a crucial juncture in safeguarding national interests and aspirations.
