DA pap & vleis eating campaign sparks social media mockery

Last updated on 2026-04-17

Johannesburg, April 16, 2026 – The Democratic Alliance (DA) is facing a wave of ridicule after a photo of its leaders awkwardly eating pap and vleis in a township during their election campaign went viral, sparking accusations of pandering and political theatrics.

The image, shared widely on X, features Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis sitting stiffly at a table alongside DA MP Solly Malatsi, while former party leader Helen Zille was photographed kissing Black women on their mouths in another attempt at cultural connection.

The display, intended to bridge racial divides, instead ignited widespread outrage, with critics branding it a patronizing and tone-deaf stunt.

“They really think we are stupid,” tweeted @notsureoux. “The white boy doesn’t even know how to eat pap, the granny is nibbling on one piece of meat, and the raccoon in the middle couldn’t even bother to coach them. Wow.”

The backlash has been relentless, with social media users accusing the DA of staging a farcical performance to court Black voters while failing to address systemic issues affecting them.

“For the mere fact that they are doing all this to look like they care about Black people is enough reason for a Black person not to vote for them,” tweeted @asiithi. “At this rate, they can eat trash.”

The criticism didn’t stop there. Many questioned the DA sincerity, pointing to its opposition to key policies like the National Health Insurance (NHI) and the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill as evidence of it disconnect from the struggles of ordinary South Africans.

“The campaign to appear more ‘Black’ while being a regressive party fighting the NHI and BELA Bill is laughable,” tweeted @JuliRee_Mts.

The internet was quick to pile on, with users mocking the perceived desperation. “Helen Zille will probably eat a rat burger in Alexandra next,” joked @Lebelo_la_, referencing the party’s former leader. “Cook bafwethu a je, then vote ActionSA or EFF, anything but not DA.”

The photo has reignited debates about race and election season performativity, with many noting how politicians often only engage with Black communities during campaigns.

“How is it that politicians always immerse themselves in Black cultures only when it’s election season?” asked @graceyonyx.

The DA has long struggled to shake off accusations of being out of touch with Black voters, and the pap-eating debacle has only added fuel to the fire.

“It would be more attractive to vote for white people in the ANC than a Black face in the DA,” tweeted @Escort_emmanuel.

As the photo continues to dominate social media, the DA faces mounting pressure to address the growing perception that its campaign efforts are more performative than substantive.

For now, the party’s attempt to win over voters has been drowned out by mockery, leaving its carefully curated image in tatters