South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has lashed out at the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party over an election advertisement that featured the country’s national flag engulfed in flames. The provocative ad has stoked controversy ahead of the upcoming general election on May 29.
In the contentious television advert launched by the DA on Sunday, the South African flag is seen burning as a voiceover warns, “life will only get worse” if the ruling African National Congress (ANC) remains in power. The burning of the flag is then reversed, with the narrator urging voters to support the DA to restore and “replenish” the flag to its original form.
While the act of burning the national flag is not illegal in South Africa, President Ramaphosa condemned the DA’s depiction as an “abuse” that undermines the unity of the nation. In a statement on Tuesday, he said, “I am committed to free speech, but this has to be exercised with respect for all people and that it does not incite social upheaval or violence.”
The DA has defended the controversial advertisement, with party leader John Steenhuisen describing it as a “symbolic representation of the future that awaits South Africa if people do not vote for the DA.” DA official Ashor Sarupen told the Daily Maverick, “This is our fourth advert, and nobody has commented on the others, which surprises me.”
However, the advert has angered some South Africans who have accused the DA of desecrating the national flag to highlight the challenges faced by citizens under the current ANC government.
Campaigning has become increasingly fractious ahead of the general election, with the ANC emphasizing the progress made in transforming South Africa since the end of apartheid. President Ramaphosa has acknowledged issues facing the country but has also highlighted the advancements in education, empowerment, and health since the fall of the oppressive white-minority regime.
“South Africans are more educated, empowered and healthier than they were under apartheid,” Ramaphosa has said, urging citizens not to threaten the progress achieved over the past three decades.
The burning flag advert has reignited debate about the limits of free speech and respect for national symbols, with the DA defending their right to express discontent symbolically and the ANC accusing the opposition of divisive tactics that could incite social unrest.
