Rise Mzansi, one of the newest political parties believes it stands a good chance of being among those who will form a new provincial government in Gauteng after the 29 May general election.
The party’s provincial leader and Premier candidate Vuyiswa Ramokgopa unveiled her plan in Johannesburg on Monday emphasising that her offer is premised on newer and fresher ideas.
Ramokgopa believes there will not be an outright winner in the province and said she will ensure that Rise Mzansi gunners enough votes to secure a seat on the table when a government is formed.
“The reality is that no party will win Gauteng. The province will be run through a coalition and that is why we are here to present our plan to say we are clear on what needs to be done and we will work with anyone who understands that it must be about delivering services to the people and not just about giving each other seats, “ she said in an interview with Newsnote on the sidelines of the event.
Without specifying which period she was referring to, Ramokgopa claimed the province has collapsed as a result of mismanagement by successive ANC administrations.
“Gauteng was once the bustling economic and cultural hub – the pride of Africa. Now it’s collapsing, due to years of neglect, mismanagement, and poor leadership. Our province has such extraordinary potential. I have witnessed first-hand, the impact of poor planning, corruption, and poor leadership on its dreams,” said Ramokgopa also vowing to rid the provincial government of corrupt people.
Rise Mzansi’s policy on land or lack thereof has recently come under the spotlight with the DA, in a bid to de-campaign its newer rival, claiming the party led by former journalist Songezo Zibi support expropriation without compensation sponsored mostly by African left-leaning parties such as the EFF and liberation movements PAC and AZAPO. Ramokgopa said if elected into government Rise Mzansi will prioritise ending homelessness as well as apartheid spatial arrangements as a result of which blacks remain to live mainly in the townships and informal settlements.
“ In dealing with spatial injustice and land hunger RISE Mzansi will:
• Conduct an urgent land audit to improve spatial, land use, and housing plans;
• Identify priority areas for inclusive planning and zoning, such as the N1 corridor and
the old inner cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane;
• Shift away from “mega cities” strategy to a “Block-by-Block” development strategy.
This means densifying existing neighbourhoods and townships where infrastructure
already exists, and building spatially integrated social housing, “ said Ramokgopa also stating that her party will create an enabling environment for job creation.