Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

3-minute read
12 May 2024 | 15:57 CAT

Manifestos Ahead of the National Elections 2024. Image/ People’s Assembly

Civil Society Organisation SAFCEI or the South Africa Faith Communities’ Environmental Institute, joined by their partners, Project 90, African Climate Alliance, and The Green Connection, spent yesterday engaging with political parties, including the DA, the EFF, Rise Mzansi and independent candidate Zackie Achmat: just Energy Transition, and Social Wellbeing. The political parties got an opportunity to articulate their policies and plans as the country approaches national electionsin Cape Town.

After 30 years of democracy, although our first elections may have been welcomed and everybody was ready to put their x and thumbprint wherever needed, this time around, many people are left very confused, not knowing who to vote for, which is the biggest concern we are facing. 

In a discussion with Radio Islam International, Gabriel Klaasen from Project 90 underscores the main purpose of this meeting with the political parties. 

“The whole point of the political party manifesto debate was to help civil society, young people and community leaders get more insight on different political parties and candidates on Climate Justice and a Just Transition and Social Wellbeing plan,” Klaasen explains. 

Assumptions can be made based on what we’ve heard online, so civil society wanted to offer a space for people to hear it firsthand. 

According to Klaasen, the invite was extended to various political parties. From some, no response was received, while others gave a runaround. 

“Whoever showed up, was the individuals wanting to make a clear engagement with communities. To engage with potential voters is interesting and we would have hoped more people came in the form of parties. However, it allowed for more deeper and robust conversations for those who did attend,” Klaasen pointed out. 

Meanwhile, Klaasen suggested that everyone seems to favour a form of a Just Transition. 

“Many have different timelines and those timelines can affect the social wellbeing of people in the long run,” Campbell added.

Listen to the full interview on The Early Morning Breakfast Show with Muallimah Annisa Essack and Gabriel Klaasen, here.