Cope :The Mbhazima Shilowa interview

I met with Mbhazima Shilowa, former premier of Gauteng, general secretary of Cosatu and now convenor of the new Congress of the People Party this morning and asked him to give me his views on matters of concern to South Africans both here at home and abroad. This was his take.

On Cope

The majority of South Africans without knowing our policies are keen to join us, which shows need for a new party to challenge the ANC for political power. We must not disappoint them or there won’t be another opportunity like this.

We are planning over the next few weeks … consultative conferences throughout our provinces to formulate draft policies which will be presented at the national conference in Bloemfontein which will formally launch the party. The policies will in turn inform the election manifesto which would either be unveiled at the same time at the rally in Bloemfontein or at a later stage depending upon how ready we are at conference.

The manifesto will be informed by the success of government over the past 14 years, consolidating what has worked, strengthening areas of weakness and new changes on areas that have not worked in a manner that distinguishes us from other parties including the ANC.

Some areas already identified are the following:

Rule of law and the Constitution: Issues of electoral reform, defending value and rights of Constitution including judiciary.

Reform of the criminal justice system: This will include redefining powers and functions of local, provincial and national government which allows local MECs to direct matters on crime. In addition we will also look at bringing back the Scorpions along the lines of the recommendations of the Kamphepe Commission.

Macro-economic policy development and industrial policy: Here issues for discussion include ensuring we retain sound macro-economic policies ,to identify sectors of the economy capable of job creation and economic growth as well as bring on board those previously excluded from the economy — specifically women and youth. Taking into account the levels of poverty and economic deprivation in the rural areas there will be the need for a rural development strategy. We would also need to take steps to strengthen small medium and micro-enterprises.

Government services: All South Africans — black or white, rich or poor, rural or urban, yearn for quality government services. It will be imperative for us to develop policies which ensure quality healthcare, education, housing including rental stock, the provision of water and electricity and the timeous removal of refuse. Taking into account that the majority of our supporters live in squalid conditions — some not knowing where their next meal is coming from — we will also need to develop a targeted poverty eradication strategy aimed at identified households.

International relations: It is our view that the legacy left by presidents Mandela and Mbeki — which placed South Africa at the centre of foreign policy development — is worth maintaining. We will need to identify specific countries with which to strengthen our relation specifically on our continent and the developing world, especially China, India and Brazil as well as the G8.

The ANC

While it has a glorious history it does not have the answers to current and future challenges.

The Democratic Alliance

As in the case of all other opposition parties their presence strengthens the multiparty democracy. We do not however believe that they have the answers to the present and future challenges facing South Africa.

Zuma

I believe that South Africans need to work very hard to ensure that Zuma does not ascend to the presidency of our country. This will mean that even those who previously supported the ANC have to vote for Cope.

Mbeki

Whereas the ANC assumed that the coup against Mbeki’s government would help unify the party it has had the opposite effect in that even those South Africans who were critical of Mbeki still believe that he had been unfairly and unjustly treated.

Obama

His message of hope despite adversity inspires all South Africans, especially those who support Cope . We believe that the surge in interest to change one’s political future has been fueled in part by his victory.

Elections

All South Africans have a duty to participate in the elections to freely choose the government of their choice. Political parties have a duty to ensure a free and fair election — including free political activities — even in those areas that they regard as their stronghold. All parties must undertake to discipline their members who disrupt the meetings of their opponents.

Zimbabwe

It is our view that while SADC has a role to play in helping Zimbabweans in achieving a settlement which will help them respond to their economic woes, the leadership — particularly Robert Mugabe — needs to show more maturity and put the interest of the country above their own personal interests.

SADC

It is important that we strengthen SADC and refocus its energy into social and economic development policies, particularly between them and Europe and other developing countries. There is a need to urgently address the current situation whereby members of SADC currently belong to different economic organizations which sometimes leads to the pursuit of conflicting and contradictory goals.

South Africa’s future

It is our view that the future of our country is bright but it will require all South Africans to put their shoulder to the wheel in order to defend our democracy, Constitution and the institutions of democracy. Together we can move the country from the divisions of the past to an all inclusive and embracing South Africa that celebrates its unity and diversity.