Multi-Party National Convention lays out priorities

17th August 2023 By: Thabi Shomolekae - Creamer Media Senior Writer

Multi-Party National Convention lays out priorities

Multi Party National Convention independent chairperson Professor William Gumede

The political parties involved in negotiating a pre-election agreement to inaugurate a coalition government following next year’s election have, under the guidance of independent chairperson William Gumede, agreed that its shared vision for South Africa will be to build a just, inclusive and prosperous South Africa based on opportunity, freedom and security for all its citizens.

The Democratic Alliance, together with the Inkatha Freedom Party, ActionSA, the United Independent Movement, Freedom Front Plus, Spectrum National Party and the Independent South African National Civic Organisation are holding talks in Kempton Park.

The parties noted that their deliberations had been robust yet constructive.

On Wednesday, Gumede announced that the parties had renamed the Moonshot Pact the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa.

The parties have agreed that the priorities of this new coalition government will be growing the economy and creating jobs.

The new coalition government will prioritise the end of loadshedding and achieving energy security. It will also focus on law and order that combats crime, corruption and drugs.

Parties say they will ensure quality education that delivers opportunities for all and will deliver basic services to all through high-quality infrastructure. They will prioritise quality healthcare, and the building of a social relief framework for South African households living in poverty.

The coalition will focus on building a professional public service that delivers to all, and ending cadre deployment.

“Central to achieving the vision and priorities of our new government, is the need to ensure that governance is underpinned by an ethos that seeks to promote South Africa’s long-term best interest,” said the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa.

Coalition parties have resolved to extend invitations to all political parties in South Africa that subscribe to its vision, priorities of government, shared governing principles and the pre-requisite to unseat the African National Congress and keep the Economic Freedom Fighters out of power.

“All political parties that subscribe and act according to these principles are requested to come forward and engage in future talks to join the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa,” the parties said.