A video that did the rounds on social media wherein the Democratic Alliance(DA) sub-council chairperson, Angus McKenzie is heard saying “food parcels win votes” in small towns like Zoar in the Western Cape has been edited following backlash.
The footage had already caused great upset in the Garden Route settlement where residents are allegedly angered by McKenzie’s remarks.
In the meantime, McKenzie confirmed with Cape Town ETC that the video was edited. The original owner has expressed his disgust towards the exclusion of what was originally said by Mckenzie.
Mckenzie referred Cape Town ETC to the original 53-minute video on YouTube, showcasing a discussion between various political party members at a gathering in Belhar.
McKenzie described the editing of the video as a criminal offence and for registered political parties to engage in such behaviour is hugely problematic.
“But then again small funded parties will do anything for relevance specifically during an election year where after they will go into hiding to resurface again at the next election,” McKenzie said.
He added that being truthful will take you very far, “sadly these individuals seek the public to trust them”.
Cape Coloured Congress president, Fadiel Adams who was also seen in the video but not at the same time as McKenzie, says it’s sad how things can get taken out of context.
“He is not saying that he gives food parcels for votes, he’s not saying that, he’s saying that is how politics work(s) in Cape Town,” Adams said.
According to Adams, a mutual friend arranged a braai for a few representatives from various political parties.
“We had a few light-hearted talks, and even made fun of each other’s political failures, you know everyone fails in politics at some stage.”
Meanwhile, City Speaker Dirk Smit said his office is aware of the video and that he is looking into the matter to establish whether there may have been any transgression in terms of the Code of Conduct for Councillors, IOL reports.
Picture: Twitter/ The Podium Master