Behind the scenes of South African politics: Betrayal, manipulation, and survival

The Star

29-06-2025

Ayanda Mdluli | Published 3 days ago
I remember when I was still in high school as a troubled and rebellious youth, my father would try to inflict discipline with his long lectures and life stories whenever I stepped out of line.
He would always lecture me about the value of not making stupid mistakes in life.
His argument was that "stupid mistakes" were preventable and that they did not have to happen at all, as long as you had the strategic foresight to see them coming.
He would try to drill this in my head for as long as I can remember over quite a number of years, all the way through university and right into corporate.
When I look back at my life and how far I have come, I look at all the "stupid mistakes" that I have made and have come to the realisation that each and every trial and tribulation that I have been through was very preventable had I applied strategic foresight.
Yes we make mistakes, but in almost every instance, the stupid ones are those that could have been prevented had you gone with your original gut feeling.
However, be that as it may, the important thing is how you learn and grow from that experience and whether or not you take accountability for your actions and the consequences that come with it.
When I flip the script on these life lessons and compare them with the murky waters of South African politics, I draw the conclusion that the stakes have never been higher, and simultaneously, the mistakes have never been "stupider".
What has emerged from the corridors of the MK Party regarding the recent spat between key figures Floyd Shivambu and Nhlamulo Ndhlela serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating that trust, loyalty, and alliances can dissolve in an instant, leaving chaos and intrigue in their wake.
The dramatic fallout from their conflict highlights a fundamental truth about the political landscape, and that is even the people closest to you may have hidden agendas that can lead to betrayal.
As someone who has been a political, financial and investigative journalist in my career, through the lens of my pen, I cannot help but recall some sobering lessons that I have learned over the last 17 years or so.
Here are a few hard truths about playing politics in the South African context:
Our bedfellows can be fickle, which means you better sleep with one eye open.
Those you share your life with are not immune to the allure of power and money.
In politics, "loyalty" can often be an elusive concept. What we do know now though is that, in politics there are no permanent enemies, but only permanent interests.
Secondly, your best friends may be your worst enemies. The very people you trust may take compromising photos or evidence of your vulnerabilities, wielding them as dangerous weapons in the cutthroat game of political chess.
Who can forget, the "imagine this in your mouth" saga not too long ago which is a case in point.
Lastly, In this brutal arena, the threats extend far beyond political rivalry. In the world of Izinkabi and hitmen in KZN, for a fee, colleagues might collude against you, ready to orchestrate a personal demise, whether through sly ambitions or acts of violence.
Usually, all it takes is one or two bullets to get you out of the way; look no further than the Sindiso Magaqa murder and its impact in modern day politics.
The immoral underbelly of politics is further complicated by the presence of manipulators and smoke screens that disguise true intentions.
How is it so easy for politicians to give their word on something, and then a few minutes later change colours like a chameleon and continue to smile in your face like nothing happened?
That is just diabolical.
As one scandal after another unfolds in various political parties in South Africa, it is evident that maintaining a keen awareness of one's surroundings is paramount in navigating such a treacherous environment.
Success in politics depends on one's ability to differentiate between genuine allies and those biding their time until the opportunity to strike arises.
For those aspiring to thrive in this toxic environment of deceit, deception, treachery and ever-present danger, it is essential to employ caution, vigilance, and a strategic mindset. In short, do not make stupid mistakes.
With personal betrayals exposed and political futures hanging in the balance, the latest drama within the MK Party raises pressing questions about the integrity of South African politics. Let this be a lesson for all.
* The opinions expressed in this article does not necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper.
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