Kaunda Selisho

By Kaunda Selisho

Journalist


Social media reacts to the DA’s new TV advert

The concept for the ad was reportedly inspired by rapper Childish Gambino's 'This Is America' music video.


Following in the footsteps of the Economic Freedom Fighters, who recently revealed their TV commercial for the 2019 elections, the Democratic Alliance unveiled their dramatic new ad.

The ad is packed full of scenarios that presumably depict South Africa as the opposition currently sees it, and viewers may have to watch it a few times just to catch some of the ad’s more “blink and you’ll miss it” moments.

As soon as the ad’s lead character, played by DA Youth leader Luyolo Mpithi, casts his 1994 ballot, the optimistic opening scene around him quickly transforms into a chaotic violent cash-in-transit heist which is being led by figures wearing masks depicting well-known and controversial South African figures such as Hlaudi Motsoeneng, Ace Magashule, David Mabuza, Jessie Duarte, Nomvula Mokonyane, and Bathabile Dlamini.

There is also a nod to Marikana, state capture, corruption, VBS, and the Vrede dairy farm scandal, with scenes playing out over a beat similar to that of Childish Gambino’s smash hit, This Is America.

DA supporters are thrilled by the ad and have been heaping praise upon the party all morning.

The rest of Twitter has either been left speechless by the ad or reminded of something entirely different given the various elements within the advert. Others are just downright upset with it.

https://twitter.com/IngaInathi/status/1117855826864164864

https://twitter.com/KagisoLediga/status/1118033407345352706

https://twitter.com/JabuMzimelaa/status/1118084293904031744

https://twitter.com/Sentletse/status/1117867798334590976

Some believe the DA is only doing more to keep the ANC at the top of mind for voters.

https://twitter.com/KhomotjoMakwela/status/1118041342263869440

https://twitter.com/Vuksido/status/1118041179713671168

Some were left with questions about the more random elements in the ad.

When called for comment, Solly Malatsi, Refilwe Ntsheke, and James Selfe were not available, but according to the party’s website, “the advert encourages South Africans to keep the dream of 1994 alive, by voting for Change in Election 2019”.

“The DA will never delight in the failure of the ANC. Millions of people have been let down by this government and it is with them that we empathise. That is why we are depicting this picture of the state of our country,” explained the party.

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