ANC babes get party started
Pretty campaigners have right moves to drum up support among the ‘born free’ voters
YOUNG, beautiful and sometimes skimpily dressed, they are the most vibrant of the ANC volunteers. For the next two weeks they will split their time between studies and campaigning for the ruling party as it desperately tries to clinch the “born free” vote.
Around the country, these women are known as ANC babes, but in Nelson Mandela Bay they have branded themselves ANC pioneers.
Introduced to the Nelson Mandela Bay campaign in February, the ANC pioneers have the sole job of targeting voters under 25 during electioneering, and the young women have taken up the job with enthusiasm.
The group of almost 40 young women from the Alex Matikinca Cluster in Motherwell spend their weekends at party events where they hand out pamphlets, talk to their peers and dance to keep the vibe going, depending on what the occasion calls for.
Coordinator Nontando Nikani said the pioneers were established in the city as another tool of cam- paigning to talk to young people.
“Because this is the first year for the so-called born frees to vote, the party decided to establish the pioneers to talk to that crop of voters because the young people will listen to their peers.”
Nikani said the pioneers worked at rallies, roadshows, lectures or any ANC campaign events. “And what they do at events depends on the programme.
“They pass out pamphlets, raise awareness and dance, depending on what the occasion calls for and what the target market is.
“If it is a young crowd, they will dance these new cool moves and if it is older people, they adjust their choreography ac-
They pass out pamphlets, raise awareness and dance, depending on what the occasion calls for
cordingly.”
She said they had three outfits tailored for different events.
“There are black pants, with the blazer and yellow T-shirts with high heels for the more formal event, yellow shorts and vests for the dancing and knee-length denim shorts with white T-shirts, ANC branded sneakers and the caps, depending on the event.”
She said there were nine coordinators and around 40 pioneers, who all worked under the umbrella of the party.
Liyabona Blom, 19, said she chose to be involved with the programme because she had wanted to know more about politics.
“And on the campaign trail, you learn a lot. I am very interested in the politics of this country and I know that I am free because our parents chose to get involved. I know that if not for the ANC, I would not enjoy the same privileges I do today as a born free. So it is important for young people to get involved.”
Pamela Roxa, 22, said she had decided to get involved with the pioneers because she grew up listening to the history of the country from her grandmother.
“At home, they are all ANC and when my friends started growing against the party, I decided to get involved with the pioneers so my friends could get to know the ANC and what it has done, through me.”