You know the silly season of electioneering is in full swing when politicians start showing levels of love for their neighbours that are hard to find at any other time.

You know the silly season of electioneering is in full swing when politicians start showing levels of love for their neighbours that are hard to find at any other time.

Just this last weekend Ngconde Balfour, the minister of Correctional Services, broke into tears upon hearing about the poverty of one old woman in Newcastle. Mosiuoa Lekota and Mbhazima Shilowa's followers went on a similar charm offensive in Kimberley, sprucing up a house that had been neglected for a long time.

While we appreciate this display of ubuntu, it would look more genuine if there was no election around the corner and when those who have the power don't just weep but do something about that which clearly rends hearts.