The Rise Mzansi political party has announced that it will not be charging a membership fee to prospective supporters, citing the need for greater inclusivity. Other major political parties in South Africa, such as the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), require a small annual fee for those who wish to officially join their ranks.
According to Makashule Gana, the national organiser for Rise Mzansi, the party’s goal is to expand its support base in advance of the 2024 general elections. In his view, money should not be a factor in determining who can become a member of the party. Gana emphasized the importance of rebuilding the country and stated that supporters and volunteers will be critical in this effort.
He stated, “Why should a South African pay any cent to rebuild their country? That is one thing that we are changing, so we are going to have supporters, we are going to have volunteers that are going to help rebuild our country – that’s what we’re going to be. We are not going to measure ourselves by how many members we have because we are not collecting members.”
Rise Mzansi’s decision to not charge membership fees is a significant departure from the norm in South African politics. The party’s commitment to inclusivity and community involvement may resonate with voters who are looking for an alternative to established parties. While it remains to be seen whether this approach will be successful in the long run, it is an interesting development to watch in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
It is worth noting that the emergence of a new youth political party is not a panacea for all of South Africa’s political challenges. The country still faces significant social, economic, and environmental issues that will require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts from all political parties.
However, a new youth political party can help to address some of the root causes of these challenges by bringing new voices and perspectives into the political arena. By prioritizing inclusivity and community involvement, a new party can ensure that a wider range of people have a say in shaping the policies and programs that will affect their lives.
Moreover, a new youth political party can help to reinvigorate the political process and engage young people in meaningful ways. By providing a platform for young people to get involved in politics and activism, a new party can help to inspire a new generation of leaders who are committed to creating positive change in their communities and beyond.
In conclusion, the emergence of Rise Mzansi and other youth political parties is a promising development in South African politics. By prioritizing inclusivity, fresh perspectives, and community involvement, these parties have the potential to create a more vibrant and representative democracy. While there is still much work to be done to address the country’s many challenges, the rise of new political movements offers hope for a brighter and more equitable future.
As we look towards the future, it will be important to support and nurture these new political movements in order to ensure their success. This will require ongoing efforts to build networks of support and cultivate a culture of political engagement and activism.
It will also be important for established political parties to listen to the concerns and perspectives of young people and to work collaboratively with new movements to address the challenges facing the country. By embracing inclusivity and community involvement, all political parties can help to build a more vibrant and representative democracy that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of all South Africans.
In the end, the emergence of a new youth political party is just one part of a larger movement towards greater political engagement and activism in South Africa. By working together and supporting one another, we can create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
