Simon Scott of Ballito writes:

At the outset, I want to make it clear that I hold no hostility toward any political party or independent candidate who chooses to contest an election. That is their right, and voters will decide.

What concerns me, however, is the sudden emergence of individuals who appear only when an election is weeks away, presenting themselves as champions of the community’s frustrations and hardships.

My simple question is: Where was this concern over the past five years? Communities are not easily fooled. People know who has consistently shown up, who has engaged with them throughout the term and who has actually fought for their issues long before campaign posters went up.

To those who have only now surfaced: by all means campaign, state what you believe you can deliver and provide evidence of successes achieved elsewhere at local level. But please do not attempt to convince the electorate that your concern is newly discovered sincerity. Voters deserve honesty, consistency and a track record, not last–minute performances.