Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
28 September 2023 | 11:55am SAST
2-min read

Picture: Rise Mzansi Twitter

Johannesburg, South Africa – Rise Mzansi, a political party that emerged on the political scene in April 2023, is gearing up for a significant policy convention scheduled to take place between the 6th and 8th of October. The party has a unique approach to membership and civic engagement and is set to welcome 800 delegates to its event.

In an interview on Radio Islam International, Irfaan Mangera, the Civic Alliances Coordinator for Rise Mzansi, provided insights into the party’s progress since its inception. He explained the party’s distinctive approach to membership, emphasising the importance of active citizenry. Instead of establishing a traditional membership system, Rise Mzansi encourages supporters to become volunteers who actively contribute to their communities by registering people, engaging in community actions, and spreading the party’s message. This approach, as Mangera stated, aims to reshape the political landscape in the country.

In the five months since its launch, Rise Mzansi has expanded its presence across all provinces. The party has achieved this by having boots on the ground daily, with volunteers working tirelessly to build the organisation and communicate its vision. Organisers and provincial leadership teams have played a crucial role in this expansion, contributing to the creation of a broad base of support throughout the country.

The upcoming People’s Convention has been a topic of discussion as it will bring together 800 delegates. Mangera elucidated the delegate selection process. Delegates comprise provincial teams led by provincial convenors and campaign team leads. Additionally, organisers, volunteers, and ordinary supporters who have made significant contributions to policy development and community work are included. The party has also extended an invitation to individuals from civil society, religious sectors, traditional leadership, and public intellectuals who have demonstrated a commitment to improving communities.

What makes Rise Mzansi’s approach unique is its emphasis on collaboration without expecting personal or organisational endorsements. The party believes in harnessing the collective wisdom of the nation’s best minds and ideas to develop a blueprint for change. While these individuals and groups are not direct partners of Rise Mzansi, they are valued for their contributions and alignment with the party’s values and principles.

Furthermore, in a bid to engage the broader public, Rise Mzansi has planned a festival space alongside the policy convention. This festival will be open to children, youth, families of delegates, sports teams, and the general public. It offers a variety of activities, providing opportunities for learning and community engagement. This inclusive approach ensures that individuals who may not be interested in in-depth policy discussions can still participate in the democratic process and contribute to building a better future.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat here.