THE DANGER OF TURNING ALLIES INTO ENEMIES
WHAT THE EFF CAN LEARN ABOUT ENGAGING CREATIVES AND INDEPENDENT VOICES
By Thami akaMbongo Manzana
It has taken me considerable time to find the courage and the right words to write this piece. It is perhaps one of the most difficult articles I have penned because I have never hidden my belief that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) remains one of the strongest political vehicles through which the aspirations of South Africa's cultural and creative industries can be advanced. Over many years, Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema has consistently demonstrated an understanding of the challenges facing artists, performers, writers and cultural practitioners, often giving the sector a platform when many chose to ignore it. It is precisely because of that history that I believe we must also reserve the right to disagree when we believe the movement or its leadership gets it wrong.
Respect does not require silence, and loyalty should never demand blind agreement. On this matter, I respectfully disagree with CIC Julius Malema. If we remain silent when comments or actions have the potential to undermine fellow creatives or weaken the very sector we seek to build, then we cease to be principled advocates and become spectators to our own decline. Speaking truth to power should never be interpreted as betrayal; it is, in fact, one of the highest forms of commitment to the values we claim to uphold.
South Africa's political landscape has entered a new era where elections are no longer won only through rallies, posters and traditional media. Increasingly, public opinion is shaped by podcasters, YouTubers, artists, comedians, actors, musicians, social media commentators and independent content creators. Whether politicians appreciate it or not, these voices have become part of our democratic ecosystem.
This is why recent comments directed at fellow creatives such as MacG, Tumisho Masha and Penuel have raised an important question that extends beyond party politics.
Whether one supports the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), disagrees with them, or supports another political party altogether, we should all be concerned whenever independent creative voices become targets simply because they express opinions that differ from those in positions of political leadership.
The issue is bigger than personalities.
It is about political culture.
The Creative Industry Is Not a Political Branch
Artists, broadcasters, podcasters and content creators are not branches of political parties.
Many choose to interview politicians from different parties.
Many criticise all parties equally.
Others openly support particular movements.
That diversity is exactly what freedom of expression looks like.
One day MacG may host again Julius Malema.
The next day he may interview John Steenhuisen.
Another week he could invite Gayton McKenzie or Herman Mashaba.
That does not necessarily make him a member of any political organisation.
The same applies to many creatives who have built audiences long before politicians recognised the influence of digital media.
Independent platforms exist because audiences trust that they are not controlled by political headquarters.
Influence Cannot Be Demanded
One of the mistakes political organisations sometimes make is believing that influence belongs to them.
It does not.
Influence is earned.
Many online personalities built their audiences over years through consistency, authenticity and taking risks without political funding or organisational support.
When political parties suddenly expect loyalty from those creators or attack them for independent opinions, they misunderstand how influence works.
Respect cannot be demanded.
Neither can support.
The Role of Party Influencers
Political influencers also deserve reflection.
Every movement has supporters who voluntarily defend their organisation online.
There is nothing wrong with political activism.
However, activism should never become intimidation.
It should never become an attempt to silence people simply because they disagree.
Supporters represent more than themselves.
The tone they set often becomes the public image of the movement they defend.
A movement that encourages debate grows intellectually.
A movement that encourages insults eventually speaks only to itself.
History Offers a Lesson
South Africans have seen this before.
For many years, the ANC enjoyed overwhelming political dominance.
Many independent artists, actors, musicians and broadcasters supported democratic ideals and even participated in campaigns because they believed in the country's future.
Yet as time passed, some of those same creatives felt ignored once elections were over.
Others became targets when they criticised government failures.
Some found themselves labelled as enemies simply because they asked uncomfortable questions.
The lesson is clear.
Political movements should never assume that goodwill is permanent.
Respect is sustained through engagement, not entitlement.
Creatives Are Nation Builders
The creative sector has always contributed to South Africa's democracy.
Artists challenged apartheid.
Musicians united communities.
Writers documented history.
Actors brought difficult conversations into our homes.
Podcasters now provide platforms where millions of South Africans debate politics, culture and society.
These voices should be challenged when necessary but through ideas, evidence and respectful dialogue.
Not through personal attacks.
Criticism Must Remain Democratic
No public figure is above criticism.
Not Julius Malema.
Not MacG.
Not Tumisho Masha.
Not Penuel.
Not any politician, journalist or creative.
The question is not whether criticism should exist.
It absolutely should.
The question is how criticism is expressed.
Democracy becomes stronger when arguments confront arguments.
It becomes weaker when personalities replace principles.
A Call for Political Maturity
As South Africa approaches another important political chapter, every political organisation faces the same challenge.
How do you engage independent thinkers who may agree with you today and disagree tomorrow?
The answer cannot be hostility.
It must be dialogue.
Political movements should welcome difficult conversations because confident leadership does not fear scrutiny.
Likewise, creatives should continue exercising their independence without becoming extensions of political propaganda.
The Future Requires Partnership
South Africa's greatest ideas will not emerge only from Parliament or party headquarters.
They will emerge from conversations between politicians, artists, academics, entrepreneurs, activists and ordinary citizens.
That partnership requires mutual respect.
No movement owns the creative sector.
No creative owes permanent allegiance to a political organisation.
Democracy works best when both politics and creativity remain free enough to challenge each other.
Perhaps that is the lesson every political movement including the EFF, the ANC and all others should remember.
Independent voices are not enemies of democracy.
They are among its greatest assets.
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