Mandela’s grandchild speaks out
NELSON Mandela’s eldest granddaughter told an opposition rally that the country was in dire need of leaders with moral values and integrity who would uphold the constitution.
Ndileka Mandela was speaking during a Freedom Movement rally in Pretoria at which political leaders repeated a call for President Jacob Zuma to step down. It was held to coincide with Freedom Day, which marked the anniversary of the country’s first democratic elections in 1994.
“This is the day that we should remind ourselves what we stand for as the people, as a country. We are a non-racial, non-sexist democratic country which stood as one when fighting for democracy. We still stand as one irrespective of political affiliations, colour, creed and religion.
“We call our government to account. This is enshrined in our constitution, to always hold our government in check. We are asking our government to listen to our voices when we ask them that we want equal opportunities for our children in terms of education, jobs and benefiting from the land.”
Earlier this year, the 52 year old stated that she would never vote for the ANC again. She cited the social grant crisis and Life Esidimeni tragedy as her reasons for losing faith in the party.
Attending the rally, which was dominated by DA members, were Cope’s Mosiuoa Lekota, United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa and the African Christian Democratic Party’s Kenneth Meshoe. Speaking to journalists after giving his speech, DA leader Mmusi Maimane said there were going to be more events such as this across the country. There would be a march against Zuma on the day the National Assembly voted on a motion of no-confidence in him.
He said even if Zuma refused to hear the cries of protest, the fact remained that he was losing his hold on leadership as more and more South Africans stood together and called for him to be removed.
“But we must not lose track, and as the people of this country must build a government that is capable. That is why I maintain that coalition governments are the way foward… People can work together across the political spectrum, labour and religious sectors,” he said.