Whenever political parties campaign for elections, T-shirts are always in demand, with residents sometimes more interested in party regalia than electioneering promises.
And Wednesday’s general and provincial elections have not been any different, with one of the busiest shopping malls in East London, The China Town Beacon Bay, struggling to keep up with the high demand for ANC regalia including T-shirts and caps.
For businesswoman Zee Lee, every year should be an election year.
Lee’s shop was emptied of ANC merchandise this week, thanks to an order of 4,000 items from ANC member and hawker Nanziwe Rulashe.
The demand for ANC items outstripped the demand for other parties’ merchandise, including the DA and EFF, said Lee.
“[The] ANC are the biggest customers of the store. Other parties come in dribs and drabs and place small orders, but the ANC is consistently ordering every week, since the beginning of the year.”
Rulashe said since January 6, she had been ordering between 2,000 to 3,000 items per week to sell to ANC supporters and members.
Rulashe believed the high demand was a clear indication that the ruling party would get a decisive victory at the polls next week.
She said she distributed merchandise to various regions in the province.
Rulashe said the head doek was highly popular among members of the ANC Women’s League and its Youth League.
“The top-buying customers are in the ADM, followed by Chris Hani and OR Tambo regions.”
The shop has been emptied thanks to three ANC Women’s League siyanqoba rallies in Komani, Dutywa and Mthatha this weekend.
“[ANCWL] deputy secretary-general Weziwe Tikana has ordered 2,500 for the Komani rally, which she will address,” she said, adding that donning party colours boosted morale...