In OUR future you won't look twice

Justin Foxton

The Natal Mercury, 8 February 2012

Much has been written about the controversial DA Student Organisations poster campaign featuring a mixed race couple in a naked embrace.

However more interesting than the imagery was the strapline; "In our future you wouldn’t look twice". It seems to beg the question; what else can we expect to see in a future South Africa ruled by the Democratic Alliance?

If this campaign is a once off, then it will have done more harm than good, for if it stops here – having caused such a stir – it will entrench an image of the DA as a one trick pony concerned only with race. This is not to suggest that we don’t need campaigns that work to break down racial barriers and stereotypes. It’s just that the majority of the electorate – burnt and disillusioned - is going to need much more than this if they are going to vote at all let alone for the DA. So Ms Zille, Ms Mazibuko and others, here are some ideas for a follow up to this campaign that might do the trick.

How about a TV ad in which a secret camera reveals a politician turning down a bribe from a local businessman with the strap line; "In our future you wouldn’t look twice".

And what about a poster showing a peaceful street with clean grassy verges, children out riding bikes, parents (of all hues) chatting happily with one another and a conspicuous lack of razor wire, high walls and alarm beams.

I dare the DA - and indeed all other political parties - to make some really big promises that are more than skin deep. I dare us to ignore them and create the future of this country ourselves. Click here to read more.