President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has caused a great deal of political controversy by calling the opposition party’s campaign video featuring a burning national flag “treasonous.” Three weeks before a crucial national election, political tensions are already on the rise, and this provocative speech comes at a time of increased division.
The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), issued the previously mentioned advertising ad, which featured the image of a burning flag to represent what it saw as the risks of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) holding onto power. The advertisement implies that the country is seriously at risk of an ANC triumph, potentially in alliance with other left-wing parties.
During his visit to the province of Limpopo, Ramaphosa spoke with reporters and voiced his strong displeasure of the advertisement. He declared, “It is the most awful political conduct that anyone can undertake,” emphasizing that the flag is a holy emblem of national unity that should not be destroyed for political purposes. His sharp criticism of the DA’s strategy highlights how unstable the political environment is in South Africa right now.
The advertisement’s timing and message have intensified the already heated pre-election atmosphere. In the previous five-year elections, the DA—which is renowned for its policies that are favorable to business—got the second-highest percentage of votes. The May 29th elections are expected to be especially hard this year, with pollsters indicating that the ANC may lose its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid three decades ago.
The risks are raised by this possible change of political power, which implies the ANC may need to join a coalition in order to keep governance. The DA’s advertisement vividly depicts this situation, with a national flag gradually engulfed in flames and a voiceover warning of the disastrous effects of an alliance between the ANC, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and former President Jacob Zuma’s allies. The campaign ends with the DA’s catchphrase, “Unite to rescue South Africa, vote DA,” and a new flag rising from the ashes.
In an editorial piece, Helen Zille, a former DA leader and the chair of the party’s federal council, defended the advertisement’s symbolism. She explained that the burning flag symbolized how the ANC’s protracted rule had destroyed the hopeful vision South Africans held at the dawn of their democracy under Nelson Mandela. According to Zille, the ad was meant to highlight the erosion of this vision due to persistent governance failures.
Zille clarified the DA’s intentions in radio appearances, presenting the advertisement as a rallying cry for people who reject the ANC’s ongoing control and support the DA’s effort to preserve and rebuild national values. John Steenhuisen, the leader of the Democratic Alliance, remained unwavering in his opposition to an alliance with the African National Congress (ANC), characterizing it as a “doomsday” situation for the nation. However, he would not totally rule out the prospect of cooperating with the ANC in specific circumstances.
In response, the African National Congress (ANC) exuded confidence prior to the polls, saying it would guarantee a resounding win and eliminate the necessity for a partnership. However, according to the most recent polls, ANC support is hovering around 40%, suggesting a potentially turbulent future.
