By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Rise Mzansi National Chairperson, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, said the party is committed to developing a plan to reset and rebuild South Africa.
The party was established in April last year as a ‘modern political organisation for patriotic South Africans’.
Rise Mzansi held its first manifesto at Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria on Saturday.
The five key tenants of the Rise Mzansi include political reform, public safety, economic growth, inclusion, and justice, fighting corruption and the climate crisis.
In her speech, Ramokgopa said that over the last nine months, her party has cemented its place as the only credible political alternative that can lead this country towards a safe, prosperous, equal and united South Africa in one generation.
She said the country faces a crisis of leadership that has resulted in the economic and political collapse of the country. She cited school-going children having to cross rivers to get to school as another reason why a change of leadership is necessary.
Poverty, hunger and gender-based violence were some of the heightened topics she touched on during her speech.
She said they have been on a quest to unearth the best in society to lead in Parliament and all nine Provincial Legislatures.
“The Independent Nominations Committee has already commenced and is currently reviewing the over 400 applications that were received,” she said.
Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi told party members that they will not let the country go to the dogs while they are all still breathing.
“South Africa will not go to the dogs, not while we are all still breathing. We will not surrender to amasela! Imigodoyi! Rise Mzansi has a bold vision to build a new society founded on the values of freedom, equality, justice, solidarity and integrity,” he said.
Zibi spoke about land, crime, hunger, load shedding, water shortages, job opportunities and investment, among other issues.
“We will fight for land with piped water for those who want to grow their food or to build their own home; discounts on selected foods for SASSA grant recipients, and job seekers grant for those who are looking for work but have no means to do so,” he said.
He slammed the ruling party for its failures to govern the country and accused it of hating its people.
“We love our families and communities too much to gamble with their lives by letting thieves stay in power. This is not the future we voted for in 1994, and therefore it is time to once again move away from an abusive system and leaders who hate us,” he said.
He said 2024 was their 1994, adding that they would become another failed African state whose citizens were poor despite the country’s natural resources and wealth if they did not boot out the African National Congress (ANC) from power.
He promised no miracles; instead, he said the country needed new leaders with vision and purpose to rebuild and restore the country’s shattered economy, including a government of unity.
“This is the main reason this People’s Manifesto begins with the question of leadership, good government, and how we can implement the will of the people with sensible policies and laws,” he said.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of Rise Mzansi.