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

Nomvula Mokonyane ANC first deputy secretary-general assists with the cooking, in one of the homesteads she visited at Eluxolweni village, Eastern Cape, during her campaign on Wednesday

POLITICS

Politics tamfitronics ANC door-to-door service campaign

In a bizarre twist, the ANC’s door-to-door campaign this year involved party members going above and beyond to connect with voters. They did not just knock on doors and hand out pamphlets – they actually started doing household chores for people.

From doing laundry and hair to washing dishes and carrying firewood, ANC members – such as the party’s deputy secretary-general, Nomvula Mokonyane, and Eastern Cape ANC chairperson Oscar Mabuyane – even cooked meals in people’s homes. It’s a peculiar approach to winning votes, to say the least.

Politics tamfitronics Julius Malema’s snot-tastic moment

EFF leader Julius Malema was in the middle of addressing his manifesto at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 February, when a giant snot of mucus decided to make an appearance. Undeterred, Malema continued with his speech, sparking a lot of discussion and jokes on X, with many users poking fun at the incident.

READ:Dashiki | Malema left with egg (and snot) on his face at his Moses Mabhida Stadium rally

Politics tamfitronics John Steenhuisen Dubul’inyanga

In a head-scratching moment, DA leader John Steenhuisen left the public and social media users perplexed with his “Dubul’inyanga” speech at the party’s manifesto launch in February. While some thought he was targeting traditional healers, others believed he was referring to Nyanga township. However, it was later clarified that he was actually talking about the “moonshot pact” – a coalition of political parties aiming to unseat the ANC.

The confusion was palpable, with many scratching their heads and wondering what exactly Steenhuisen meant. It was a cringe-worthy moment that had social media users mocking his dance moves and questioning his choice of words.

Politics tamfitronics MP Boy Mamabolo’s battle to positively protect his family

ANC MP Boy Mamabolo accused the ANC of illegally removing him from the candidate lists due to factionalism, and claimed he was unfairly disqualified despite being nominated by over 110 branches. He argued that the party’s decision would negatively affect his family, particularly his minor children. But the party embarrassed him when it cited his failure to provide a matric qualification as the reason for his removal.

READ:‘My removal from ANC candidate list is unlawful, detrimental to my financial well-being’ – Boy Mamabolo

The ANC also questioned his paralegal diploma, saying it was unthinkable that one could be a legal adviser with the five courses Mamabolo claimed to have passed.

Politics tamfitronics Dagga king’s flip-flop

Self-confessed dagga-smoking AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo caused a stir for attending an ANC rally in party regalia, despite publicly endorsing the EFF. The unexpected move left many scratching their heads, wondering whether the king had switched allegiance. However, when the deputy leader of the EFF went to campaign in the Eastern Cape in April, Dalindyebo declared:

The king’s political flip-flop has left many wondering what’s really going on in the mind of this eccentric royal.

Politics tamfitronics The unexpected truce

Makhosi Khoza, a former ANC leader who once fiercely criticised former president Jacob Zuma – calling him a “disgrace and dishonourable leader”, sparked speculation in February by posting a photo with him on social media, hinting at a possible alliance with his new party. This sudden change raised eyebrows and left many wondering what was behind her unexpected U-turn.

Politics tamfitronics The PA’s 10th birthday celebration

The 10th birthday celebration of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), held at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto, turned into a big mess. Party leader Gayton McKenzie was shouting about immigrants to almost nobody in a nearly empty stadium (Abahambe!). There were rumours of people trying to ruin the party, and hardly anyone showed up. McKenzie said lots of people came, but then could not get back in after leaving for snacks, and he claimed some sneaky folks had stolen bread, drinks and shirts, and even burnt some shirts.

To add to the chaos, buses meant to bring guests from afar never showed up.