Elections: The youth is betting on Rise Mzanzi to save SA
With the elections looming closer, the youth population is increasingly pinning their hopes on Rise Mzansi.
The youth of South Africa views Rise Mzansi as the remedy for youth unemployment and governmental inefficiency.
RISE MZANSI A ‘BEACON OF HOPE FOR YOUTH’
As the 29 May election approaches, young people are looking increasingly to Rise Mzansi to tackle youth unemployment and government shortcomings.
As the date draws nearer, young people have a growing sense of anticipation and optimism, fuelled by the promise of change and empowerment that Rise Mzansi represents.
Many see this movement as a beacon of hope in the face of persistent challenges, believing that it holds the potential to address the pressing issues that have long plagued the country’s youth.
The Citizen spoke to an unemployed graduate, Linda Mangoloti, who stated her intention to vote for the recently established Rise Mzansi party.
“The fact that it can accommodate young people is a bonus. I like how they put it – new results equal new leaders.
“I personally believe that Rise Mzansi will represent us well in parliament. Through them, our voices will be heard,” she said.
The jobless graduate expressed her dismay at being unemployed while observing numerous government positions occupied by individuals lacking qualifications.
“It is no surprise that South Africa has a high rate of suicide and drugs and alcohol abuse among young people. That’s because we are a neglected generation,” she said.
Mangoloti is convinced that Rise Mzansi is critical to revitalising South Africa.
“Rise Mzansi is my last hope. The bursaries that we receive to study in higher education institutions, only to come back and sit at home, is a temporary solution, just like the R350 grant.
“We need permanent solutions that will enhance personal growth and improve the country’s economy,” said Mangoloti.
RISE MZANSI REBUKES STEENHUISEN
Rise Mzansi’s premier candidate for the Western Cape, Axolile Notywala, penned an open letter to criticise DA leader John Steenhuisen’s accusations, labelling Rise Mzansi as political opportunists and looters for their campaigning efforts in the Western Cape.
According to IOL, Notywala’s letter on Friday responds to DA leader John Steenhuisen’s characterisation of some minor parties campaigning in the Western Cape as political opportunists and mercenaries.
He alleged that these parties, including Rise Mzansi, the Patriotic Alliance, and the GOOD Party, intend to exploit the provincial government’s resources for their own gain.
Steenhuisen stressed that the Western Cape has flourished under DA leadership, boasting the creation of over 300,000 jobs and robust infrastructure.
He asserted that there’s no tolerance for corruption or mismanagement, as all funds are allocated transparently to their designated purposes.
Notywala criticised Steenhuisen’s remarks, alleging that the DA had neglected black and coloured communities.
He argued that despite the party’s 15-year rule, areas like Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Langa, and the Cape Flats remained underdeveloped, with significant economic disparities, inadequate infrastructure, a housing shortage affecting over 600,000 residents, and limited access to essential services like water and sanitation.
“The reality, John, is that quality of life for the majority of South Africans is at its lowest due to politics and political decisions. With a Western Cape housing backlog, this DA-led government has no plan for informal settlements,” he said.
“It’s primarily black and coloured people in this province whose dignity is stripped away daily. Inequality, spatial and economic injustice are perpetuated through political decisions, especially on disproportionate spending patterns. The DA has overseen political decision-making in the Western Cape for 15 years,” said Notywala.
Responding to Steenhuisen’s accusations of wanting to loot from the government, Notywala said: “With sprinkles of swart gevaar and racism, you (John) accused us of contesting the Western Cape to loot and steal. I am contesting as the Western Cape premier candidate for Rise Mzansi for the first time. What informs your conclusion that I am doing so to loot?”
Rise Mzansi published its plans for public safety and security, and restoring the rule of law in its manifesto. “We deserve to live free without the constant worry about our own safety and that of our loved ones, our children, family members and friends,” said Notywala.
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