Chapter 12: Total Domination

…continued from 21 May 2026...

“Well, I am intrigued, it’s not every day you receive a request to meet someone as elusive as Johan Baatjies,” her smile was contagious.

 “I hope I will not waste your time Ms Pecker.”

 “Please call me Elaine, Johan.”

Johan knew about her grandmother and her motivation for politics. And now he sensed the genuine energy she was exuding. He felt more convinced than ever that he had found the right candidate.

The main course was a delicious saddle of springbok, slow grilled with Italian and Ethiopian herbs and spices, complimented with seasonal vegetables. Neither of them ordered dessert, opting instead for a fragrant Ethiopian coffee.

Elaine, expecting Johan now to talk business, took a sip and directed her gaze directly into Johan’s eyes.

“So, shoot,” she said.

 “I have a plan that would ensure that you win control of the Cape, or rather your party.”

If she was talking to anyone else Elaine would have burst out laughing, but she knew from Johan’s reputation and his fixed stare back into her eyes, that he was quite serious.

“You have a plan that will guarantee that I have control over the Cape municipalities?”

“No, I mean total dominion over the Western Cape Province; you will become the strongest political party in the Cape and will hold total control over the city and the province.” Johan’s gaze did not waiver.

“And how do you propose to achieve this.” Elaine was intrigued.

 “The way I see it, the key to the Cape is with the voters on the Cape Flats. They’re ready for a leader, a leader like you, but they need an incentive to vote. They need a reason to get to the polls, they need motivation.”

“Indeed” Elaine interjected.

 “And the key to Cape Flats lies with the gangs and the gang bosses,” Johan let the statement hang in the air.

Elaine’s jaw dropped, “hang on a second, if you are proposing anything illegal…”

 Johan raised his hand, anticipating her objection.

“Your reputation for honesty has to remain intact and stay that way for the plan to be successful, and any association with the gangs remains strictly behind the scenes until after the election. I will make a public announcement of my support for you; it will come with a marketing budget of R100 million. You will control all available air time on radio, TV and social media in the 3 months preceding the vote. Every billboard and advertising option, including newspapers and magazines will carry your election message.”

“How will you achieve this, advertising space needs to be booked way in advance,” Elaine felt the excitement growing.

“It was done 6 months ago Ms Pecker. I have secured the space; all you have to do is provide the messages. 

“But how will you mobilise the voters?”

 “For the sake of your reputation I cannot reveal that information, but I can guarantee that every able Coloured voter will get to the polls and vote for you.” Johan appeared calm and very, very self-assured.

“No one can guarantee that!” Elaine was reeling at the thought.

 “Ms Pecker, right now on the Cape Flats people hand over their SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) cards directly to the gang bosses who in turn give them spending money and even pay their rent, if necessary, they also ensure that they always have access to drugs and alcohol. The way to mobilise the Cape Flats is through a proper incentive. As you well know, the Cape and gangs are intertwined.

I believe that I have the right incentive.”

Continued tomorrow 23 May 2026, before 12pm