By Zukile Majova
- The ANC, Congress of South African Trade Unions and SA Communist Party criticised Helen Zille’s campaign, saying it targets Premier Panyaza Lesufi instead of offering solutions.
- DA leaders say the campaign reflects public anger over water shortages in Johannesburg and shows their push to take control of the city.
The political temperature in Gauteng is rising fast as parties gear up for the municipal elections expected in November.
DA Johannesburg mayoral candidate Helen Zille has shifted her campaign into full swing months before voters go to the polls.
Her campaign has already triggered a sharp backlash from the ANC and its alliance partners.
The ANC and its partners SACP and Cosatu say Zille’s campaign is built on attacks instead of real solutions.
The row follows a controversial campaign billboard that criticises the ANC government over the ongoing water crisis in Johannesburg.
The billboard also targets Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi.
Lesufi sparked outrage earlier this year when he said he sometimes showers at a hotel when there is no water in his area.
He later apologised for the remark.
But the comment has become a powerful talking point in the DAcampaign.
The ANC said the campaign focuses on political gimmicks rather than fixing the province’s problems.
Cosatu called the campaign a “cheap political stunt aimed at scoring points instead of contributing meaningful solutions”.
The SACP also defended Lesufi saying the campaign is part of a long running political attack against the premier.
It said Lesufi has pushed programmes aimed at helping poor communities, including the Nasi Ispani job creation programme.
But DA Gauteng leader Solly Msimanga said the criticism misses the point.
Msimanga said the campaign reflects the reality many residents face.
He said it is unacceptable for leaders to appear out of touch while communities struggle without water.
Pictured above: Helen Zille launches election billboard
Image source: DA
