While all local council and parliamentary by-elections were suspended last year in Zimbabwe as part of Covid-19 measures, other countries have proven to the world that democracy is important and nothing is above the constitution including a deadly virus such as Coronavirus.
There are so many countries that have successfully conducted general elections in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and many of them were covered by the African Manner. South Africa is next and all political parties have submitted their promise and commitments to the nation.
November 1, 2021 is the d-day for South Africans as all roads lead to the polls to decide who will govern local councils and municipalities for the next five years. Its election season in South Africa and unlike in other African countries, we get to know what the opposition is up-to mainly because of the independent media.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), affectionately known as the "red sea" was first to launch their 2021 local government election manifesto on a strategic date, the 26th of September, 2021. This blogger has been following EFF's game plan since the beginning of 2021.
Prior to the manifesto launch in Johannesburg, EFF has held several virtual press briefings, outlining their plan of action for the 2021 election, denouncing President Ramaphosa's lockdown restrictions and saying something about the vaccine roll-out. People expect such actions from the government in-waiting.
The Freedom Fighters set the agenda for the ruling party and forced the government of the day to respond. The senior party officials have represented EFF exceedingly well on Twitter and other social media platforms. The skill of persuasive communication is a must-have for serious politicians.
The Malema-led political party is highly organized, the members present themselves with great determination and vigour and their strategic approach is modern and different. The party's actions are premeditated and they are doing everything right to create an impression that they are ready to win political power and govern South Africa.
Malema's speech had basically five sections; the first part celebrated the life of Nelson Mandela's second wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela who was born on September 26, 1936 and passed on in 2018. The red sea manifesto was launched on Winnie Mandela's 85th birthday and as a gift to her, the new six - story black and red EFF head office in central Johannesburg was named after stalwart, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
The second phase of Julius Malema's keynote address outlined the truthful observations that his party considered to be the fundamental issues that require attention in local governance. He used repetition, rhythm and the same term several times to systematically describe what he constantly referred to as "truthful observations".
"Our manifesto is based on truthful observation that our people do not have water. Our manifesto is based on truthful observation that our people do not have electricity. Our manifesto is based on truthful observation that our people do not have primary health care. Our manifesto is based on truthful observation that our people do not have access to sanitation".
Besides the truth, Malema told the world how the EFF came up with this year's manifesto. He clearly explained the consultation process and went further to illustrate the major concerns that are being faced by communities in all the wards across South Africa.
"When I say land and jobs manje, you say namhlanje!" Malema invited the supporters to say the above statement as he introduced the EFF theme for the 2021 election campaign. "Land and jobs manje-namhlanje" meaning land and jobs "now-today".
The theme is relevant and well placed. Whosoever coined that slogan knew how important it was to represent two official languages in one statement. Expropriation of land without compensation has always been part of EFF's agenda and for the past eight years, the term has appeared on all EFF messages.
Thousands have lost their jobs in South Africa due to Covid-19 and partly because of the recent Jacob Zuma demonstrations. Malema made a commitment that his party will give people land and jobs when elected into power.
The fourth stage of Malema's speech was mainly an act of accountability and transparency. Julius Malema gave a summary of some of their achievements as a party in local governance. Corrupt mayors and council officials have been fired as a result of EFF councillors. Malema's report was a reassurance of how committed EFF is to service delivery and more could be done if they govern.
Malema concluded his presentation with a clarion call to the people of South Africa to go and vote for the Economic Freedom Fighters on November 1.
EFF is going against a divided African National Congress, (ANC). The arrest of Jacob Zuma did not go down well with ANC supporters in Kwazulu-Natal and other provinces. Other ANC members and supporters are disgruntled by the current suspension of the Secretary General, Ace Magashule.
The civil society have generally lost confidence in Ramaphosa's administration, including two cabinet ministers, Zweli Mkhize and Tito Mboweni who resigned this year. The central government has faced criticism for its appetite for Western Covid-19 remedies and the chaos is likely to continue manje, namhlanje!
@stajicesimmz