Democratic Alliance determined to make a New Beginning
ALEXANDRA – Democratic Alliance’s #ASONA2018 calls for a progressive and inclusive South Africa.
Democratic Alliance (DA) leader, Mmusi Maimane delivered his Alternative State of the Nation Address #ASONA2018 at East Bank Hall in Alexandra – two days ahead of the State of the Nation scheduled this Thursday, 8 February.
In his address, Maimane said the current state of the nation is marred by an array of well-known problems that have landed South Africa in its current situation. He mentioned that corruption and theft have crippled state-owned enterprises such as Eskom and Prasa and highlighted the imminent threat posed by a trillion-rand nuclear deal which could land the country in a recession.
Read: Mashaba will restore good governance in Joburg – Maimane
His #ASONA2018 comes a month after the leader’s cross-country travels where it is reported he engaged with communities and learned about the challenges faced by them.
“This is the true state of the nation,” said Maimane.
Maimane spoke about the conditions residents live in and said that they have been left behind in the ‘new South Africa’ and their conditions might as well be indicative of living in a different country as they have rights enshrined in the country’s constitution but have no real freedom afforded to them.
“These are our people,” added Maimane.
It is estimated that over 55 per cent of South Africans live below the official poverty line due to no access to food, shelter and water – basic human needs.
Maimane has called for a total change in the living conditions of South Africans as part of the DA’s vision for a ‘New Beginning’. According to the DA, their vision of a New Beginning after 2019 is one that is an inclusive South Africa where all citizens have access to basic services and proper infrastructure.
“A country that works for all,” Maimane said.
Maimane was joined by Gauteng provincial leader, John Moodey and Executive Mayor of Joburg, Herman Mashaba, who all called for a widespread challenge to corruption.
“Our country is in a bad state,” said Moodey.
Moodey took the opportunity to speak on the shortcomings of the African National Congress (ANC) which he accused of being out of touch with the reality faced by most South Africans.
Amidst the controversial changes the ANC is going through, Maimane appealed to recently elected ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa, to find common ground with the DA for the benefit of all South Africans.
“Everyone should be active participants in a new beginning and be protectors of democracy,” concluded Maimane.
Our journalist Mpho was tweeting from the event:
https://twitter.com/Mpho___/status/960806885107621889
https://twitter.com/Mpho___/status/960805208015212546
https://twitter.com/Mpho___/status/960805208015212546
https://twitter.com/Mpho___/status/960805700824903687
https://twitter.com/Mpho___/status/960806158515757058
https://twitter.com/Mpho___/status/960806885107621889
https://twitter.com/Mpho___/status/960807574986686464
