By Umamah Bakharia
26:10:2021

On 20 October, Radio Islam International, along with media partners: Voice of Cape and IFM, hosted an election debate in Lenasia for listeners to decide who the suitable candidate is for the position as mayor of Johannesburg. 

Zarina Motala attended the debate – ANC Ward 9 candidate, Sergio Isa Dos Santos – DA member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislation, Nazier Paulsen – EFF Member of Parliament, Herman Mashaba – President of ActionSA and Imraan Moosa – Al-Jama-ah Ward 9 Councillor. 

The debate began with party leaders speaking about their manifesto’s. Al-Jam-ah candidate Imraan Moosa started by saying, “we are not here to make false promises.” 

After that, ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba explained that the party wants to make a difference in the people’s lives. Even after 27 years [of democracy], South Africa is still in a “slum”. 

EFF member Nazier Paulsen carried the party’s manifesto, “our manifesto in visions the people of the country,” and further added that the EFF wants to reverse centuries of segregation of the country’s people. 

DA member, Sergio Isa Dos Santos, emphasized the party’s vision of implementing ‘get the basics right 5’, which include the DA’s plan of action if elected. 

The ANC candidate, Zarina Motala, mentioned that she would work with integrity and deliver essential services. 

Radio Islam’s Ml posed a question. Sulaimaan Ravat regarding the capacity of funding to which ANC’s Motala said with the type of funding received, the ANC will serve the people the best. 

The DA said to prevent corruption, they want people eligible to be part of a housing’ voucher system’ with which recipients can build their own homes. EFF, however, argued that people need to rethink how the government is run as there are enough finances available for housing.

A few questions that were the highlight of the debate: 

Does Councillor Imraan Moosa share the same sentiments as party leader Ganief Hendricks regarding the party not being religious? 

To which Moosa answered: “it comes down to faith and political dynamics of the country.”

ActionSA’s Mashaba was asked what the party’s thoughts were regarding illegal documentation? 

He replied: “We want people to come in the country legally,” and added: “we must take care of our people.”

DA member Dos Santos was asked about the party’s comments on the adhaan and the assumptions from the Muslim community. 

To which he responded: “it is propaganda that is being spread.”

The debate ended off with the parties’ arguments regarding land invasions to which the party’s carried the following slogans: 

ANC- “Our land has already been invaded,” 

EFF- “There is no such thing as land invasion,” 

ActionSA- “[We] have to create employment opportunities first,” 

Thein her personal capacity, DA stood firm on being anti-invasion, and Al-Jam-ah aims to provide adequate housing.