DANIEL SILKE: Why smear campaigns fail in South African politics
'And from within the ANC, buffeted by all sorts of larger-than-life sets of intrigue and Game of Thrones-style machinations, allegations of extra-marital affairs seem somewhat small-fry'
Any number of attempts have been made over the last few weeks to divert attentions from the Gupta Leaks and the related daily revelations about serious and damaging financial irregularities. The latest of which have been Hawks revisiting of Pravin Gordhan’s role in the SARS rogue spy unit and of course, the Sunday press allegations of extra-marital affairs by Presidential front-runner Cyril Ramaphosa. With the Gupta Leaks enjoying saturation coverage in most national media outlets, a fight-back from those implicated was always expected.It is therefore no surprise that a predictable season of dirty tricks, email leaks and even fake news may now be upon us. And, media houses with close connections either to the Gupta’s or to President Zuma and his preferred successor slate will play their role in punting their preferred candidates – with little shame. However, those hoping that this weekend’s email revelations surrounding Presidential hopeful Cyril Ramaphosa this past weekend would sc...
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