TONY LEON: Bigger picture says DA should ditch EFF in metros
Since part of "strengthening Cyril's hand" means also embracing his cozying up to the EFF, this is a point of vulnerability for the DA to exploit
When an old acquaintance asked me about politics in 2019, I offered my usual shtick about why a strengthened opposition was a good voting bet.
But instead of the expected nod of agreement, he offered, "For the first time since 1994, I am voting ANC - we need to strengthen Cyril." This was uttered with a certainty that cautioned against contradiction.
During the holiday season I attended a glitzy event in Cape Town for which the acronym MINO - money is no obstacle - applied in spades. During a lull in festivities, I had what might be termed a "Peter Bruce encounter'', though in circumstances likely more bling than those prevailing in his legendary pubs. An old acquaintance - a self-made business trader of Croesus-like wealth - began a conversation on familiar lines. He said he was encouraging his two 20-something children to emigrate: "No long-term future for them here," he prophesied. When he asked me about politics in 2019, I offered my usual shtick about why a strengthened opposition was a good voting bet. But instead of the expected nod of agreement, he offered, "For the first time since 1994, I am voting ANC - we need to strengthen Cyril." This was uttered with a certainty that cautioned against contradiction. Or inoculated itself against the perils of "doublethink" - simultaneously holding two utterly contradictory thoughts...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.