Today (Wednesday) will provide an opportunity for South Africans to vote for a political party of their choice.
Let’s take a look at the effectiveness of parties’ campaigns throughout the electioneering.
Agang’s leader took a dry intellectual approach to politics that did not resonate very well with the masses. The failed political marriage between the DA and Agang created more doubt over Mamphela Ramphele’s capability to lead Agang.
The marriage became a political suicide campaign for Ramphele and her integrity was left in tatters.
After its failed marriage with Agang, the DA bounced back with advertising campaigns such as the famous ANC Ayisafani television advert.
They did not have time to sob and kept their election machine moving, launching their manifesto in Polokwane.
It seemes Hellen Zille got over Ramphele quickly as was seen when she danced with her supporters singing, “kae kapa kae Zille reya lewena”, which means: we will go with you wherever you go Zille.
The EFF transformed the face of campaigning with their red berets.
Julius Malema knows what to say to those who feel marginalised and how to grab their attention.
He knows that, whenever he speaks, people pay attention. This appeals to people, even to politicians who might undermine him. They know that he can grab people’s attention.
He is called the son of the people on campaign posters. He said a lot of negative things about the ANC, but there has been no retaliation from the ANC, which suggests what he says is true.
With the possibility of the EFF winning seats in parliament, there will be a paradigm shift in parliament.
Cope has tried to be visible, but the move of key leaders to the ANC collapsed its foundation.
President Jacob Zuma has used the song, Inde lendlela Eseyihambayo throughout the campaign, along with the slogan, a good story to tell.
Zuma is just like Shaka, who used to sing and dance before going to war to install pride in his soldiers.
Zuma is an amazing performer.
He convinces his audience through his performances, with most of them wearing yellow T-Shirts bearing his face.
The creativity in some parties’ adverts has led to some adverts being pulled off TV and taken to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) for approval.
This created conversations on social media, which has been a vehicle used by politicians to interact with voters.
I think The No Vote Campaign by former minister of intelligence Ronny Kasrils and former health deputy minister Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge is insane.
It is our moral responsibility to vote. By voting, it means South Africans have decided to defend their freedom.
Mpholosane Modiba
Media strategist
