United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa has called for a national convention with a focus on economic emancipation of all South Africans‚ with a bias towards historically excluded groups.
Holomisa’s call — made in a letter posted on social media on Sunday – is aimed at all political parties‚ but particularly at the Congress of the People‚ Economic Freedom Fighters and United Front.
The convention would focus on the resolution of the land question‚ property ownership‚ nationalisation‚ electoral system reforms‚ party funding legislation‚ strengthening of chapter nine institutions and any other related matter of national interest.
“Reference is made to our meeting held on Sunday the 7th of August…in which we produced a guide for engaging other parties‚ in particular the ANC (African National Congress) and the DA (Democratic Alliance)‚ on possible coalition governments in some of the local councils‚” wrote Holomisa.
“You will recall that‚ in the guide document‚ we proposed that there be a national convention which many citizens have welcomed and viewed it as an initiative to create hope for the better.”
Holomisa said that it was very clear that the pressing challenges of poverty‚ unemployment‚ inequality and corruption can no longer be tolerated by the citizens of the country.
The electorate has “made a clarion call for a visionary leadership of the country to emerge and be charged with the responsibility to provide a road map towards resolving these challenges”‚ he said.
“Through the ballot box‚ they have instructed all political parties that participated in the elections to urgently converge under one roof to provide a decisive leadership.”
He added that it is the function and responsibility of political and societal leaders to ensure that the “clarion call” made by the electorate is attended to without delay.
“Accordingly‚ a proposal towards the convening of a national convention requires an immediate consideration and commitment by all leaders of political parties and other leaders of society. Such a proposal should constitute part of agreements to be entered into by political parties in coalition governments and be extended to all other parties‚” Holomisa said.
Holomisa listed who should participate‚ including: political parties‚ religious bodies‚ traditional institutions‚ labour bodies‚ non-governmental organisations‚ institutions of higher learning‚ issue-based and other civil society organisations.
“South Africa is at crossroads as it is rudderless because of poor‚ or lack of‚ proper leadership‚ said Holomisa‚ adding that participation in the national convention must be extend “to all citizens”.
He said the convention’s blueprint of a plan of action should be accompanied with strict timeframes and a commitment of resources.
Holomisa says electorate has instructed ‘all political parties to urgently converge under one roof’
Holomisa’s call — made in a letter posted on social media on Sunday – is aimed at all political parties‚ but particularly at the Congress of the People‚ Economic Freedom Fighters and United Front.
The convention would focus on the resolution of the land question‚ property ownership‚ nationalisation‚ electoral system reforms‚ party funding legislation‚ strengthening of chapter nine institutions and any other related matter of national interest.
“Reference is made to our meeting held on Sunday the 7th of August…in which we produced a guide for engaging other parties‚ in particular the ANC (African National Congress) and the DA (Democratic Alliance)‚ on possible coalition governments in some of the local councils‚” wrote Holomisa.
“You will recall that‚ in the guide document‚ we proposed that there be a national convention which many citizens have welcomed and viewed it as an initiative to create hope for the better.”
Holomisa said that it was very clear that the pressing challenges of poverty‚ unemployment‚ inequality and corruption can no longer be tolerated by the citizens of the country.
The electorate has “made a clarion call for a visionary leadership of the country to emerge and be charged with the responsibility to provide a road map towards resolving these challenges”‚ he said.
“Through the ballot box‚ they have instructed all political parties that participated in the elections to urgently converge under one roof to provide a decisive leadership.”
He added that it is the function and responsibility of political and societal leaders to ensure that the “clarion call” made by the electorate is attended to without delay.
“Accordingly‚ a proposal towards the convening of a national convention requires an immediate consideration and commitment by all leaders of political parties and other leaders of society. Such a proposal should constitute part of agreements to be entered into by political parties in coalition governments and be extended to all other parties‚” Holomisa said.
Holomisa listed who should participate‚ including: political parties‚ religious bodies‚ traditional institutions‚ labour bodies‚ non-governmental organisations‚ institutions of higher learning‚ issue-based and other civil society organisations.
“South Africa is at crossroads as it is rudderless because of poor‚ or lack of‚ proper leadership‚ said Holomisa‚ adding that participation in the national convention must be extend “to all citizens”.
He said the convention’s blueprint of a plan of action should be accompanied with strict timeframes and a commitment of resources.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos