As the local government elections draw closer and closer, I can’t help noticing all the interesting characters crawling out of the woodwork again.
The PR machines are working overtime with curious gimmicks and ridiculous promises being made.
Some political parties are clearly going to rely on name-recognition to secure votes for themselves.
But let’s be honest, while some of these individuals are very admirable in the high-profile positions for which they are known, their names don’t belong on ballot papers any more than they do in positions of political power.
Just because someone was excellent in one area where we may have cheered them on, doesn’t mean they’ll be any good as public administrators.
There’s a lot of bravado at this point in the game, with every party convinced of the success of their strategy.
Each and every one comes with a healthy dose of passion, determined to prove to you that their values and principles align with yours.
For example, there’s one promising to focus exclusively on the wellbeing of coloured children from the Cape Flats.
Another party wants affluent communities to subsidise their poorer neighbours when it comes to paying for water and electricity.
Even a local cleric is getting in on the action, under the pretence of educating voters, but he has such a narrow grasp of politics, that he actually scares me.
These are all emotional cards borrowed from political playbooks being used around the world right now.
Instead of encouraging equality and balance, this is partisan politics aimed at reversing prejudice.
Be reminded that these people are all being interviewed for some very powerful jobs, and we are the interview panel.
And just like when you are being interviewed for a job that you really want, tough questions need to be asked.
Just like your CV needs to impress a prospective employer, so their track record needs to speak to what you can expect from them if they get the job.
And just like an interview panel will discuss each candidate after the interview, so you need to discuss those seeking your vote.
These jobs pay extremely well, the benefits are enormous and the influence even more so. And it’s all thanks to your taxes.
Your vote is extremely valuable, so don’t be sweet-talked, or bought with cheap gifts or fanciful promises which can’t possibly be delivered.