Culture, religion pull votes

POLITICAL parties are going all out to get the attention of voters for the May 7 national election, to the point of using circumcision as part of their campaigns.

Some have used culture and religion to lure prospective voters.

In East London last week, the number of billboards from COPE, the ANC, UDM, the DA and the National Freedom Party was growing.

ANC spokeswoman Khusela Sangoni-Khawe said: “Our first advert is talking about the good story we tell as the ANC government and 20 years of delivery. We have run a series of posters that show the changes that have happened since 1994 to 2014.”

The ANC’s posters and billboards around the province have been accompanied by the message: “Together we have made South Africa a better place than it was before 1994.”

She said their “Step Up Campaign” targeted young people.

Also seen around the province were ANC posters stating “Stand up for your Culture,” referring to circumcision rites. Another, depicting a young Muslim woman, states: “Stand up for your individuality.” The DA’s Dawie Scholtz says his party’s advertising campaign is showcasing diversity and strength in leadership.

“The central point we make is that the DA can stop corruption and create jobs. All advertising will revolve around this theme,” Scholtz said.

The DA’s slogan is “Together for Change. Together for Jobs.”

COPE national spokesman Johan Abrie said its campaign promoted a party which was prepared to fight corruption.

“This country is drowning with corruption and debt under [President] Jacob Zuma. When [president] Thabo Mbeki left government, this country had a R5-billion debt. But under Zuma’s administration that debt has gone close to R1-trillion,” Abrie said.

-Mphumzi Zuzile