EFF leader Julius Malema has taken a swipe at Democratic Alliance (DA) mayoral candidate Helen Zille after she arrived at a Johannesburg election rally in a BMW known as a “Gusheshe”.
Zille made the entrance at the DA’s “Joburg Now or Never Rally” at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday, ahead of South Africa’s local government elections on Wednesday, 4 November.
Popular nickname
Julius Malema criticised the celebration of activities such as spinning a Gusheshe, arguing that they do little to improve the lives of ordinary South Africans.
A Gusheshe is a popular South African nickname for the BMW 325iS, a car associated with spinning and car culture.
“You are celebrating a person who spins Gusheshe and you think that thing has to do with improving the lives of our people. How does spinning Gusheshe improve our lives?” Malema said.
He questioned whether arriving at a political rally in the car should be celebrated when communities continue to face challenges around food security and healthy living.
“How does entering a rally in a Gusheshe improve our lives compared to how to plant vegetables, sustain ourselves and protect food security and ensure that we live a healthy lifestyle? We have got our priorities mixed up,” he said.
Julius Malema backs EFF candidate for Johannesburg
Julius Malema’s remarks came as the EFF promotes its own mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg, Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, who is competing with Zille for the city’s top political position.
The EFF leader praised Mofokeng’s education and experience, saying she had worked with many people.
Malema also declared that his candidate was superior to Zille, describing Mofokeng as “head and shoulders above” the DA candidate.
The exchange highlights the contest between the EFF and DA as parties seek to win over voters in Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest city and a key battleground ahead of the 4 November local government elections.
With the campaign gathering pace, candidates and party leaders are increasingly using rallies and public appearances to promote their visions for the city.
For Malema, however, Zille’s Gusheshe entrance became an opportunity to question the priorities of political leaders, arguing that food security, sustainable living and the wellbeing of residents should take precedence over rally spectacle.