Save SA to hold public meeting in New Brighton
LEADING businessman Sipho Pityana, whose Save SA campaign is coming to the city this week, has called on the public to help oust “corruption enabler” President Jacob Zuma.
The Save SA campaign is calling on the public to help end the abuse of executive power in the country.
Anglo Gold Ashanti chairman, former entrepreneur and foreign affairs director-general, Pityana said yesterday the public meeting in New Brighton on Wednesday was part of a series of meetings he and his team were hosting.
“It is aimed at explaining why we think President Zuma is an enabler for continued corruption, and enlisting public support for our call to get rid of him,” he said.
Through these meetings and via the website, www.savesouthafrica.org.za, the campaign is calling for public input on how best to pressure Zuma.
The next step will be the launch on November 23 of a call to action based on this input.
The 5.30pm meeting at the Nangoza Jebe Hall was aimed at highlighting “our common values . . . and to demand open and responsive government”, Pityana said.
A flyer emphasised that the meeting would be non-partisan, peaceful and dignified, and urged people to attend and “wear our flag” in the spirit of unity. The meeting is being coordinated by Save SA regional convener Khusta Jack.
It will be attended by Pityana and prominent national members of the organisation.
Save SA quotes as its founding principle the preamble of the constitution which “recognises. . . the injustices of the past and respects those who have worked to develop our country. . . and [that] South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity”. Save SA argues that the successes of the anti-apartheid struggle are being hindered by a predatory elite.
“In the meantime, unemployment flourishes, unemployment thrives and another generation is becoming ‘lost’,” it says.
The campaign calls for a national debate on the restoration of democratic values and a renewed climate of engagement.
It asks citizens who want to reclaim their country and “believe we should reassert we are a caring and moral people” to become #SaveSouthAfrica activists.
“Wear #SaveSouthAfrica doeks and armbands, hold silent protests wherever the president speaks, sign our petition at www.savesouthafrica.org.za, organise marches on your local MP’s constituency office to make your MP accountable to the people,” the mission statement says.