A high rate of unemployment, inadequate educational opportunities, unequal access to digital and economic exposure, crime and violence are some of the pressing issues that have been bequeathed to the youth by a GNU government that has all but forgotten them.
These challenges have led to a huge voter apathy amongst those who should be helping shape a better Gauteng, indeed a better South Africa. ActionSA calls on the youth to take heed from the courage and determination of the likes of Japie Vilankulu, Hector Pieterson, Hastings Ndlovu et al who put up a fight for a better South Africa, even losing their young precious lives.
With over 40% of the voting population, the youth possess a collective power they can use for their voices to be heard. I, therefore, encourage young people to use this power to bring about the change they want to see through their vote.
President Herman Mashaba, National Chairperson, Michael Beaumont, and Gauteng Provincial Secretary, Evelyn Mondlana, led our public representatives and activists in a picket calling for the removal of NDPP at the Department of Constitutional Development and Justice in Tshwane. The National and Provincial leadership as well as Joburg Regional leadership and Councillors embarked on a pothole repairing exercise as we launched our Burst Campaign to fix local government ahead of the Local Government Elections in Alexandra. This was followed by successful engagements with community members and local entrepreneurs.
One thing is crystal clear – Gauteng residents are looking for change. There’s no better way to effect change than through the ballot and the LGE provides such an opportunity for everyone to say who they want to govern Gauteng’s municipalities.
Over the past 4 weeks, ActionSA has successfully launched over 50 branches across the province. From Tshwane to Emfuleni, from Mogale City to Ekurhuleni and the City of Gold, we have engaged communities who are ready to FIX Gauteng, to create a more economically successful, people-centred and service delivery-driven province in which residents live safely and with dignity.
I appreciate the role played by our Regional and Constituency leadership as well as activists who have been the backbone of our rebuilding processes. I also like to congratulate all newly elected Branch Chairpersons and look forward to seeing them working to make a difference in their respective communities.
I greatly salute our Johannesburg Council Caucus for having withstood political pressures from all sides and their steadfastness in abstaining in the motion of vote of no confidence against Mayor Dada Morero. Ours was a principled stance; to neither vote to defend failure by the Mayor nor support chaos and political gimmicks presented by the motion.
That stance led to a political fallout where our CoJ Speaker was voted out. However, I felt immense pride in her not only standing for Joburg residents against two bullies besotted with political power, but also by the way she was able to serve Council, residents and other stakeholders. She upheld Council rules, engaged residents and led the Legislature with integrity but became a victim of transactional politics that continue to fail residents.
ActionSA remains resolute in our mission. From ensuring accountability in government to providing services to residents, we are building a Province that works for all – brick by brick, ward by ward.
