When politicians resort to spectacle, you can be sure that the aim is to distract members of the public from a lack of substance. It’s like that other ancient form of deflection: to avoid criticism for weak leadership, to hide corruption or ineptitude, find an enemy and go to war.

Johannesburg MMC for transport Kenny Kunene knows all too well that residents have had enough of the coalition shenanigans and horse trading that have brought the city council and the mayoral office into a state of dysfunction. So when “Mr Sushi” became “Mr Mayor” for a few hours earlier this week, he knew just what to do. He went to war — on the poor...

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