President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa has criticised the main opposition party after one of its election advert depicted the national flag being engulfed in flames. The Democratic Alliance (DA) defended the image, stating it aimed to underscore its argument that the country is facing significant challenges.
Although burning the flag is not illegal, the president labelled the DA’s portrayal as an “abuse,” asserting that it undermines the unity of the country.
Campaigning has intensified ahead of the general election scheduled for May 29, and tensions have risen.
In the advert, the flag is shown burning while a voice-over warns that life will only get worse under the African National Congress (ANC), which has been in power since 1994. Subsequently, the flag is shown being restored as the speaker encourages voters to support the DA.
The advertisement concludes with the message “This election is about survival” as the flag returns to its original form.
The DA’s advertisement sparked outrage among some South Africans, who accused the party of disrespecting the flag to highlight the challenges faced by citizens. In a statement on Tuesday, the president affirmed his commitment to free speech but emphasised that it must be exercised with respect for all people and should not incite social upheaval or violence.
During his campaign, Mr. Ramaphosa has acknowledged the country’s problems while highlighting the progress South Africa has made over the past three decades.
The ANC played a crucial role in the struggle against apartheid, leading to the country’s transformation and the dismantling of the legal system of racial discrimination.
“South Africans are more educated, empowered, and healthier than they were under apartheid,” Mr. Ramaphosa has stated, urging people not to jeopardise that progress.
DA leader John Steenhuisen, addressing the media when the advert was launched on Sunday, described it as a “symbolic representation of the future that awaits South Africa if people do not vote for the DA.”
“This is our fourth advert, and nobody has commented on the others, which surprises me,” said DA official Ashor Sarupen in an interview with the Daily Maverick news website.