South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has come under scrutiny for using the services of Skomota for its current election campaign, with some critics accusing the party of exploiting the viral performer to lure young voters.
Skomota has hit the campaign trail with ANC officials over the past few days, as the ruling party steps up its bid for reelection. In some of the photos posted online, Skomota can be seen sleeping during the campaign.
Joining the chorus of those criticising the party, leader of Build One South Africa (Bosa), Mmusi Maimane said the performer looked like he was already regretting his decision to align with the ruling party.
“He already regrets it. One day of working for the ANC and he’s already saying: “Oh man, mamabolo.”
Skomoto’s representative, Kholofelo Makgata said Skomota had only gone to the ANC event as a performer.
“If you always listen to what they say, you will always call us,” he said.
“We go to every paid gig. He went there to perform. If another party says they want to see Skomota at their event, we will go,” Kholofelo said.
Zama Khanyase, the national spokeswoman for the ANC Youth League (ANCYL), said Skomota is part of the party’s youth league.
“The insults against the organisation and the person of Skomota are unwarranted and we encourage him to remain strong and unshaken in the knowledge that the youth league and the people of South Africa love and respect him,” Khanyase said.
