In a year that was full of political twists and turns, 2024 was physically and mentally taxing for most political party leaders.
It was this year that the most hotly contested elections since the democratic breakthrough were held on May 29.
All parties fancied their chances going into the polls, but most came out disappointed, to say the least.
It was a crushing defeat for the ANC, which until these national and provincial elections had never known the feeling of getting less than 50% of the vote.
This outcome gave birth to another marathon political process – the long consultation to form a coalition government.
Eventually it birthed the government of national unity (GNU), which incorporated most of the parties that contested as opponents going into the elections.
The extremely radical ones such as EFF and MKP were left out.
It is these political happenings that took a physical toll on most leaders. Most of them will be resting at home with their families on Christmas Day. They will be that hoping next year will bring better fortunes. Most will also have to start preparing their organisations for the 2026 local government elections.
Fikile Mbalula
The ANC chief executive said he will be at home with his family on Christmas Day.
For Mbalula, it will not be a long rest. He will quickly have to come out of the rest mode to prepare for the party’s anniversary celebrations billed for Cape Town in January.
Mbalula and his team will have to work extra hard to mobilise the masses to attend that January 8 statement rally. It is to be held in Khayelitsha. The host city and province are known DA strongholds.
Jacob Zuma
The uMkhonto we Sizwe Party boss, probably the happiest politician of them all about the May 29 elections that delivered his new party as the third-largest, will be busy with his normal duties at his Foundation.
On December 27, Zuma will be with older people of Nkandla at Mnyakanya High School. He will be on an outreach for the JG Zuma RDP Education Trust.
Two days later, he will be among the children and youth on a similar outreach. That is before ushering in 2025 with a traditional dance (indlamu) event on January 1, 2025.
Bantu Holomisa
The deputy minister of defence and military veterans says he will be resting at home.
This after Holomisa was appointed deputy minister in the GNU, after years on the opposition benches leading the UDM.
“Ndisekhaya (I am at home) in the Eastern Cape. I’ve got no programme, I’m resting,” said the UDM president.
Vuyo Zungula
The African Transformation Movement president, a devout Christian, will be breaking bread with his people in his home village in the Eastern Cape.
“I will be hosting a Christmas function in my home village in Tsolo. And I will be focusing on sharing the little I have with the less privileged families in Goqwana village,” said Zungula, who handed over a brand new house to a destitute family last week, also in the Eastern Cape.
Zungula has also been attending imigidi (circumcision homecoming ceremonies for initiates) in his village this week.
Songezo Zibi
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) chairperson has retreated to his village in the Eastern Cape. He plans to get on with village business and spend time with his family and relatives.
Zibi said he has been attending imigidi (a standard and permanent feature of village life during December in that province). This while preparing for an unveiling of tombstones of deceased elders of his family.
“This Christmas we have planned a family unveiling of tombstones of our forebears. Except of course attending imigidi in the village everyday. There are two just today,” said Zibi of his brief Christmas plans.
Herman Mashaba
The ActionSA leader, known for his deep-rooted family values, will be with the love of his life for Christmas. He will be away on holiday in Durban.
“I just spent an amazing five days at Zebula Country Lodge with my wife, sisters, kids, nephews, nieces and grandchildren.
“I am back in Joburg. But I will be heading to KZN to spend a peaceful Christmas with my wife only. We will come back to Joburg in the middle of January,” said Mashaba.
Other party leaders could not be reached at the time of publishing.
