A declaration setting out the aims of the South African National Convention was adopted with the waving of hands and clapping at the conclusion of the meeting of mainly African National Congress (ANC) dissidents in Sandton on Saturday.
Former Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa said the ANC breakaway group would launch a new political party in Bloemfontein in December.
”I stand here today [Saturday] on behalf of this preparatory committee to say not only do we intend to tackle it [the ANC], we intend to win the next election,” Shilowa said to loud applause. country
A name for the party would be selected on Sunday after input from provincial representatives.
Shilowa said the declaration represented the views of all the people there ”who represent everybody across the political spectrum”.
Shilowa said they were principles that they would all die for, but ”not the individual, but the principles”.
The declaration came out of the presentations of different political parties, provinces and all the speakers at the convention.
Reflecting on the speakers, Shilowa said: ”This movement is in good hands. Because we know these comrades, we know what they can do. We also know that like many of you, they have become disengaged, disaffected.”
The first resolution declared the supremacy of the Constitution, which enshrined the values of freedom, democracy, human dignity, the achievement of equality, and of human rights and freedom for all.
It also placed obligations and responsibilities on all citizens to respect each other’s rights, freedom and choices, but also to act in solidarity and community with each other.
It supported building social cohesion based on values that everyone could defend.
”We are a diverse society and we are a good nation; because of this diversity, we believe we can be great.”
He said the foundation of society was based on the premise that everyone was united in their diversity, therefore efforts to build and strengthen a cohesive society that celebrated diversity by upholding the fundamental values of respect, integrity, ubuntu, compassion, openness and solidarity should be redoubled.
The resolution also called for freedom and equality before the law.
”We accordingly assert that no citizen can be above the law, whatever their circumstance.
”We reject strongly the implied threat to rule of law in the behaviour and actions of certain political players in our country.”
Shilowa said the convention therefore resolved to defend the right of equality before the law and the right to freedom of association, speech and free political activity.
Participatory democracy was also highlighted, with a call for reform of the electoral system.
”We believe organised citizens should be able to take direct responsibility for some of their concerns and to exercise effective oversight over the leaders they choose at elections.”
This included public representatives, such as the president of the South Africa, premiers and mayors being elected directly.
”Democracy, therefore, must mean more than just voting once in five years, it must include participation and economic life, in security of our people from crime, joblessness, poverty, lack of education and diseases.” — Sapa