Readers have their say about presidential candidates
Should South Africans choose their own presidential candidate?
Ben Shikwambana
“We must select a candidate because if political parties choose the person for us, then we end with the wrong candidate who does nothing for the people."
Political parties are gearing up for the 2019 General Elections and the ruling African National Congress’s (ANC) gears up for its elective conference.
If you pay any attention to the news, you will know that the battle to take over from President Jacob Zuma is on between Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa. Whoever wins could become our next president if the ANC retains power in 2019.
The NEWS asked some of our readers if they think it would be better for the citizens to select their preferred presidential candidate rather than voting for a candidate chosen by a political party. This is what they had to say:
Menzi Sibanyoni
“I think political parties should continue selecting the presidential candidates because they know their weaknesses and strengths but if we select them, we will be confused.”
Lerato Nkuta
“People should be given a chance to select the candidate because there are many capable people in the party but they are not given an opportunity.”
Leon Govindsamy
“People should choose their own presidential candidate because at least we will be electing a candidate that we feel deserves the position.”
Matshidiso Tsotetsi
“We must be given a chance to select the candidate because ultimately the person will be serving us, not just the few people who select them.”