ActionSA’s blueprint to chart a new course for nation
As we stand on the cusp of our seventh national democratic election, I find myself reflecting on the tumultuous journey we’ve traversed over the past three decades.
It’s evident that unless we chart a new course, we risk joining the ranks of failed states on the African continent.
My mind wanders back to a poignant moment I experienced within the solemn confines of the University of Fort Hare’s indoor sports centre during the special official funeral of the late Makhenkesi Stofile in 2016.
I attended this event in my capacity as the newly elected mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality.
The ANC had once scoffed at the notion of the DA ever seizing control of NMBM, yet since then, there have been two DA mayors.
Sipho Pityana, who delivered the eulogy on behalf of the Stofile family, bravely admonished the ANC, warning of its impending demise.
He echoed Stofile’s longing for the movement to reclaim its former glory.
Pityana’s reference to Dr Benson Rubusane’s book, Zemkinkomo Magwalandini, vividly depicted the ANC’s squandering of its political legacy.
He cautioned against the infiltration of “hyenas in sheepskin clothing” and challenged the party to confront its hypocrisy in decrying corruption while perpetuating theft from the impoverished masses.
Sadly, Pityana’s impassioned pleas fell on deaf ears and his prophetic warnings have since been realised.
Nowhere is the state of our nation more starkly reflected than in the sorry state of our once prestigious institutions.
What was once a beacon of continental learning is now synonymous with corruption, fake degrees, racketeering, and even violence.
Zimkile iinkomo magwalandi — the heritage is stolen, you cowards.
This is precisely why SA is in dire need of a new government.
ActionSA, echoing the sentiment that “only Action can fix SA”, offers a compelling alternative. We champion six foundational values that we believe are indispensable for effective governance:
● Nonracialism: We reject divisive language and pledge to uphold the principles enshrined in our constitution and Bill of Rights.
● Economic prosperity: We prioritise policies that foster economic growth and attract investment.
This includes addressing barriers such as crime, corruption, energy and water insecurity, failing infrastructure and poor productivity.
● Economic and social justice: We advocate for practical redress measures that empower the underprivileged, including reforms to affirmative action and BBBEE.
● Rule of law: We are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability for corruption.
This includes establishing an independent chapter 9 institution to prosecute corruption without political interference.
● Education reform: We vow to address the crisis in our education system, including ensuring access to quality education and accountability for the misuse of funds.
● Ethical leadership: We demand ethical conduct from our leaders to rebuild trust and integrity in government.
To address these challenges, ActionSA has identified nine priority intervention areas overseen by no more than 20 ministries/ministers:
● Economic growth
● Economic justice
● Education reform
● Law and order
● Energy crisis
● Illegal immigration
● Water security
● Inclusive society
● Coalition governance
By focusing on these areas, we believe we can chart a new course for SA, one marked by prosperity and unity.
On May 29, join us in our mission to fix SA.
Editor’s Note: In the run-up to the May 29 general elections, we will be giving political parties an opportunity to unpack their manifestos and indicate what policies they hope to introduce. These pieces must adhere to the Press Code and our standard editorial guidelines. Opinion pieces will be published as and when space is available.
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