The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng has recently launched a billboard that has the Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi taking a shower in full clothing.
In the billboard, the caption reads: “The ANC showers in hotels. You have no water. Vote DA to put water in your taps.”
In a statement, DA leader in Gauteng, Solly Msimanga said this billboard is essential to tell Panyaza Lesufi that it is unacceptable to show such contempt for the people of Gauteng.
“No resident can afford to hire hotel rooms to get a shower because your failing government denies them water at home,” Msimanga said.
As water leaks, water tankers, and empty water towers dot municipalities across the province, the party claims it is inexcusable for the premier to throw such remarks around that are ‘entirely detached from the lived reality of the millions of residents he purports to serve.’
“If those at the head of Gauteng, who are ultimately responsible for the water crisis we face, do not learn to take what they are tasked with seriously, the DA will ensure that they do,” Msimanga added.
The advertisement is part of the party’s campaign leading to the Local Government Elections later this year.
The shower depiction comes from the utterances made by Premier Lesufi in a media briefing on the water crisis facing parts of the province, where he said he and some officials had to resort to taking a shower at hotels in order to keep themselves clean and do their work.
The Office of the Premier has since stated that the remarks were taken out of context and has has apologised to residents.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the province and the Premier’s Office are yet to respond to the billboard.
