Al Jama-ah looks to expand their support base ahead of elections
Al Jama-ah has shared their goals heading into the elections which include growing their support base and improving accessibility for all.
South Africa’s only Muslim party, Al Jama-ah, which recently launched its political manifesto says its members will not live in ivory while the masses are poor. It says it will support any political party except for the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA.
Founder and leader of Al Jama-ah, Ganief Hendricks, told Daily Maverick that he is aware that his party won’t take over as government when the country heads to the polls on 29 May. However, he says they will rally behind any party with the exception of the DA, IFP, UDM and ActionSA.
“The only reason we most of the time vote for the ANC, is because they have the roots in the foundation of the liberation movement of Oliver Tambo and those before him. So, whichever party governs South Africa with those kinds of roots, Al Jama-ah will support them even if it’s the MK party and even if it is the EFF,” Hendricks said.
MANIFESTO LAUNCH AND ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION
The party launched its national manifesto at Harmony Primary School in Lenasia on 9 March. Hendricks said although the party wanted to increase its presence in various provinces, it was mainly eyeing the Western Cape and Gauteng.
Hendricks said enhancing access to economic opportunities for every citizen and working to achieve zero VAT on bread, milk, eggs, and other basic food items would go a long way to assist people living below the poverty line.
He said the party is resolute in fighting corruption, upholding the rule of law, and presenting a value-based government led by ethical, honest, well-qualified, and competent officials in all spheres of government.
INCREASE INVESTMENT IN HEALTH CARE – AL JAMA-AH LEADER HENDRICKS
“Alleviating the plight of consumers in an increasingly harsh global economic climate. Being in touch with the lived experience of South African people – party members will not live in ivory towers,” he said.
The Al Jama-ah party, which has been in Parliament since 2019, says it would increase investment in the health sector, granting everyone the right to dignified and quality healthcare.
“Supporting the NHI initiative and setting up (mobile) clinics and (roving) paramedical structures in urban and rural areas. Ensuring quality control, management, and performance of all hospitals and primary health centers with real-time oversight to avoid corruption and sloppy service delivery,” party leader Hendricks said.