- A video from an apparent ANC campaign gathering shows an elderly woman's interaction with President Cyril Ramaphosa, sparking fierce online debate
- South Africans flooded the comments with accusations of vote-buying and exploitation of vulnerable communities
- The clip went viral on TikTok with hundreds of reactions ranging from outrage to dark humour
Footage of elderly women, affectionately known as gogos, being handed gifts at what appears to be a political gathering has set South African social media alight. Many viewers accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of using the occasion to secure votes ahead of an election.
Source: TikTok
The video, posted by TikTok account @newsnexussa on 24 October 2026, shows the indoor event taking place beneath a corrugated metal roof, with on-screen text confirming: "The Gogos are receiving all the gifts. 24 Oct 2026."
The atmosphere in the footage was warm and celebratory, with items being distributed to the older women in attendance. He also exchanged a few words with the older woman who seemed mesmerised by his presence. Watch the gift distribution that sparked the controversy here.
SA drags ANC leadership
The clip of the President spread quickly and gained traction, with the phrase "love-bombing" emerging as the dominant accusation in the replies. Critics argued the gesture was a calculated attempt to win over a demographic known for its loyalty to the ANC rather than a genuine act of care.
User _Koko🎀 captured the prevailing sentiment bluntly:
"This is love bombing😭😭," a comment that drew 989 likes.
Dankie Ozzie called the scene "disgusting," receiving 2,232 likes, making it one of the most popular reactions on the post.
Others took a broader view of the politics involved.
Ncebo Masuku wrote:
"Voting should have an age limit ayikho lento."
singhnadira0 framed the issue as one of exploitation:
"Exploiting the poor.. Very sad."
Not everyone was critical.
@ruralzip posted
"I love Cyril."
user6162956781385 directed frustration at a different target altogether:
"1950 and 1960 generations are the real problem in SA."
Other Briefly News stories about Cyril Ramaphosa
- An elderly grandmother made headlines after firmly rejecting President Cyril Ramaphosa to his face during an ANC election door-to-door canvassing visit.
- During a residential community walkabout ahead of local government elections, an outspoken elderly woman stopped President Ramaphosa in the street to tell him bluntly that her monthly SASSA old-age grant was far too low.
- A heartwarming video posted by Presidency Head of Digital Communications Athi Geleba showed President Cyril Ramaphosa warmly embracing and posing for photos with smiling children during a public engagement.
Source: Briefly News
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