Mehmet Vefa Dağ Sets His Sights on a Historic Political Bid in South Africa

Years ago, Mehmet Vefa Dağ dipped his toes in the presidential waters but fell short. Now, he’s narrowing his focus, aiming for local support as he aspires to become the first politician of Turkish heritage to claim the premiership in South Africa’s vibrant Western Cape.

As about 28 million South Africans prepare to cast their ballots on May 29, they will select their president, provincial leaders, and members of parliament. Recent polls indicate that the African National Congress (ANC)—a fixture of power for three decades—may likely fall below the 50% mark for the first time. This pivotal election is being viewed as the most significant since 1994, marking the nation’s transition from apartheid to democracy, possibly paving the way for a coalition government.

Representing the Land Party, Dağ expressed admiration for Nelson Mandela, the iconic figure who was South Africa’s first Black president. Having become a citizen in 2006, he harbors ambitions of elevating Pretoria to among the world’s leading ten economies.

He pointed out the stark income disparities that plague South Africa. “Take Cape Town’s Constantia, one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the globe,” Dağ explained. “Just a couple of kilometers away lies Khayelitsha, often regarded as one of the poorest areas on Earth.” This juxtaposition encapsulates the country’s extreme wealth gaps.

Dağ argued that this economic divide has rendered youthful populations vulnerable to unemployment and crime. “South Africa is notorious for its high crime rates due to neglect,” he stated, emphasizing the isolation many face.

His political journey kicked off with a candidacy for Cape Town’s mayoral post in the 2016 elections. “That year, we secured around 7,500 votes. In 2019, we rebranded as the South African National Democratic Movement Party, but family issues kept us from participating,” he reminisced.

In 2022, the party underwent another transformation, emerging as the Truth and Solidarity Movement. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, they could only contest the Western Cape elections on May 29.

The Western Cape boasts a population of about 8 million, and Dağ’s team aims to earn approximately 1.5 million votes in the region.

The Land Party has self-financed its electoral campaign thus far. “No governmental or organizational support has been extended to us; we are transparent about this,” Dağ remarked confidently.

He stressed the dire living conditions of around 3 million individuals residing in shantytowns throughout the Western Cape. “We cannot turn a blind eye to such gross injustices,” he added emphatically.

Dağ’s vision includes boosting agricultural output and redistributing land to South Africans. He believes this will combat unemployment. “We plan to allocate parcels of land to individuals and provide resources like livestock and seeds for cultivation,” he elaborated.

“Furthermore, we’ll ensure our citizens are equipped with export skills. We pledge to enhance our nation’s global stature,” Dağ affirmed.

On a critical note about the influential Oppenheimer and Rupert families, Dağ claimed they imported a colonial mindset into South Africa. “Their primary motive, upon arriving here, was to exploit our natural riches,” he argued, highlighting their legacy in diamond and gold mining, mainly in Kimberley. “Their approach has perpetuated the apartheid mentality of racial superiority,” he contended.

He criticized the current Democratic Alliance (DA) leadership in the Western Cape, alleging support for these families and their stance on Israel.

Dağ expressed respect for the ANC’s position on Palestine, praising figures like International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor. “I urge my Turkish compatriots to pay attention to the upcoming South African elections,” he urged.

He praised Türkiye’s humanitarian missions across Africa, remarking, “This is what drives us when we engage with communities.” With aid from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, he noted they have launched initiatives that spark hope for countless individuals in Africa.

“People recognize my Turkish roots and respond warmly. I dream of seeing numerous projects like these flourish, extending my heartfelt respect and admiration to President Erdoğan,” Dağ concluded.