PARTY A TO Z: Policies of BLF centre on land
Name of Party: Black First Land First Party president: Andile Mngxitama Slogan: Land or death
Year launched: 2016 Colours: orange, black, green, red
National Assembly: 0/400
NCOP: 0/90
Provincial legislature: 0/430
Website: blf.org.za
The party’s manifesto: The BLF says hospitals in South Africa are falling apart; doctors and nurses are overworked and underpaid.
“By and large our public hospitals are places of death. Simply put, no one is safe in our public hospitals.
“Our leaders, politicians, senior public servants and their families use private hospitals, and that is why they don’t care about public hospitals, which are used by the poor,” says the BLF.
The BLF hopes to adopt a new law that all government leaders from the president to the local councillor, and all public servants, use government hospitals.
Praised for: The BLF is often praised for its visibility in the streets, particularly where there are incidents of racism. It is also praised for being a party with a young membership and leadership.
What they believe: Land First! The BLF believes that without land there is no freedom or dignity. It wants Land First because it is the basis of freedom, identity, spiritual well-being, economic development and culture. The party believes the land of Africans was stolen, and that this theft has rendered them landless in their own land.
The party says it wants all the land with all of its endowments on its surface, together with all the fortunes underground.
The party subscribes to a Sankarist leadership ethos, aiming at the following ideals:
1. Land First! We will not buy back our stolen land!
2. Black First! The black majority must be central and prioritised!
3. Mineral rights belong to the people! Let the people own and benefit directly!
4. Employment and a minimum wage! Quality Jobs Now! R12 500 minimum wage is non-negotiable! Employment protection, and sickness and vacation rights from the first day of employment. Equal pay to be legally enforced and realised! An end to labour brokerage!
5. Basic income for all now! No one should go to bed on an empty stomach!
6. Housing is a right! End all squatter camps in five years!
7. Healthcare is a right! Build hospitals and train nurses and doctors! 8. Anti-racism. Declare it a crime! 9. Anti-sexism and anti-homophobia. Fight to end women oppression and homophobia!
10. Socialism! Only fair distribution of wealth can bring about real economic freedom!
11. Pro-people Industrialisation. Follow ecologically friendly industrialisation!
12. African dignity and unity! Africa is one and its liberation is paramount!
13. Mental liberation! The biggest disease killing Africa is ignorance and colonial mindsets.
14. All elected members of Parliament and public servants must use public services.
15. The Thomas Sankara Oath and the People’s Manifesto are our eyes to guide us to total liberation.
16. Youth advancement. The future belongs to the youth!
17. Education for all! Mass quality education responding to societal developmental challenges and building a socialist people-first culture must be extended to all.