Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Rebecca Davis
Published on 2024-04-04 21:09:40
The upcoming presidential elections in South Africa have highlighted a concerning trend where at least 17% of the individuals vying for the position have been accused of significant wrongdoing. However, it is important to note that being accused of wrongdoing does not necessarily mean that these leaders have been convicted of a crime. In fact, many of them have never received a criminal conviction, making them legally eligible to run for office.
Out of the 52 parties on the national ballot, nine have leaders with controversial histories. This is actually an improvement from the previous election in 2019, where one in five leaders had faced criminal charges or other allegations of misconduct.
One such leader is Ace Magashule, who was removed from his position in the ANC due to corruption charges related to a multi-million rand tender scandal. Despite this, he has founded a new party called the African Congress for Transformation (ACT) with a strong focus on land issues.
Hlaudi Motsoeneng, the former COO of the SABC, has also been embroiled in controversy, including fraud allegations and improper salary increases. His party, the African Content Movement, has gained some municipal seats despite a poor showing in the general election.
Another controversial figure is Roy Chockalingam Moodley, who has been linked to alleged State Capture schemes and has faced scrutiny for receiving a lucrative government security contract. His party, the African Movement Congress, has positioned itself as a radical advocate for social change.
Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, has faced a litany of legal challenges, including charges of fraud and corruption. His party has also been implicated in the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, raising questions about its integrity.
Dr. Johan Reid, a neurologist and founder of the Free Democrats, has faced allegations of sexual harassment and improper billing practices. His party advocates for private healthcare, reflecting his background in the medical industry.
Gayton McKenzie, a former armed robber turned politician, leads the Patriotic Alliance and has been accused of having ties to criminal gangs. Despite his criminal past, he has managed to gain some political influence.
Marius Fransman, the former ANC leader in the Western Cape, established the People’s Movement for Change after being expelled from the party due to allegations of sexual harassment. His party has attracted disillusioned members from other political groups.
Finally, Jacob Zuma, the former president of South Africa, has been banned from running in the upcoming elections due to a contempt of court conviction. His involvement in various corruption scandals, including the Arms Deal, has tarnished his reputation.
While these leaders may have controversial pasts, they are still eligible to participate in the democratic process. It remains to be seen how voters will respond to candidates with such checkered histories in the upcoming election.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
