Allan Boesak has accepted nomination as a candidate for premier of the Western Cape for the Congress of the People (Cope), his spokesperson, Penny Festus, said on Friday.
”This announcement follows after days of intense discussions with his family, members of the community, the party’s provincial and national leadership and other stakeholders, and many hours of private reflection,” she said.
At the beginning of February, Boesak indicated to the party that he was not available to hold any positions on the organisation’s national or provincial elections lists.
”It will be clear that this has never been an easy decision to make,” said Boesak on Friday.
”There are two fundamental reasons why I changed my mind. First, the intense appeal from ordinary people of the province from all communities to make myself available once again, to recognise the historic moment before us and to help bring about the changes we as a nation desperately need now…
”Second, the fact that I have the continued understanding, encouragement and support of my family,” he said in a statement.
Boesak stressed that he was taking up the challenges ahead with the firm resolve to defend and strengthen South Africa’s democracy.
He said he would deliver to the people of the Western Cape not only what they needed, but what they deserved and would run a campaign based on the principles of dignity, decency and honour.
”Together with the people of this country, I have in the past been privileged to struggle for our freedom and together we opened the door to democracy. Now we are ready to take the next step — to take ownership of our future together,” he said. — Sapa