Three new ‘faces’ at the polls

Every election season newcomers emerge to contest the polls.

Ahead of the 2019 elections three prominent figures have started or joined new movements seeking to change the status quo.

In 2019’s national elections, South Africans will have more options in addition to the usual faces on the voting ballot.

● Mzwanele Manyi and ATM

The former government spokesperson surprised many on Wednesday when he announced he was forsaking his long-time political home‚ the ANC‚ to join the newly formed African Transformation Movement (ATM).

The faith-based party was formed in 2018 by the SA Council of Messianic Churches in Christ.

Manyi has secured a spot in the ATM as head of policy and strategy and as a national executive member.

Manyi said the ANC “is tired‚ fatigued‚ and has lost its moral compass”.

● Hlaudi Motsoeneng and the African Content Movement

The former SABC chief operating officer has never shied away from expressing his interest in becoming South Africa’s first citizen.

In December‚ Motsoeneng launched the African Content Movement with the intention of contesting the May elections.

“I am going to contest [against President Cyril] Ramaphosa because I want to be the president of the country.

“I don’t think Ramaphosa can defeat me. I am going to shock the country‚” he said in December.

His policies include reducing social grants and forcing foreign companies to exit South Africa within a certain time.

● Patricia de Lille and Good

After a lengthy legal battle with the DA and the city of Cape Town‚ Patricia de Lille stepped down as mayor of the Mother City and formed a political party called Good.

Launched in November 2018‚ the party will contest the elections in all nine provinces.

“I am not on any chronic medication. I have a lot of energy left. So it is time for a new political party‚” she said at the announcement. –