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The Congress of the People (Cope) has used Heritage Day to launch its manifesto for the local government elections on November 1.
Addressing a packed conference centre in Mannah Lodge, Kempton Park, Cope president Mosiuoa Lekota made several bold promises, saying they would improve the lives of many South Africans.
Lekota decried the widespread service delivery failures across the country.
“Roads are full of potholes. Sewage flows on to the streets. Water supply is interrupted, sometimes for months on end. Rubbish lies heaped on the side of the roads. Streams are contaminated. Violence and crime continue to escalate in many areas of the country. Many municipalities cannot even offer essential basic services on a sustainable basis. At the same time, rates and tariffs are increasing to a point that people just cannot afford electricity or water,” he said.
He said that under his government, all Cope councillors would be trained to understand and implement the Public Finance Management Act and, where it is violated, to blow the whistle without fear or favour.
“Cope will ensure better-run councils, job creation, accountability, transparency, rule of law, promotion and development of entrepreneurs, and quality services at affordable tariffs,” he said, to applause from the audience.
“In our view, democracy is defined as a government of the people, by the people, for the people, with the people. Our Constitution makes every one of us equal before the law.
“However, when our communities surrender their power and influence to a political party, as has been happening for many years, politicians live large and become a law unto themselves.
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“The local government election offers you an opportunity to make things better for yourself, your community and South Africa,” he said.
Lekota said Cope would always uphold the Constitution and the rule of law with full commitment.
“We will not stray from the Constitution as the supreme law of the country. We interpret the Constitution to be in favour of the people and in support of accountability and transparency.”
In outlining the party’s plans, Lekota’s deputy Willie Madisha said Cope intends to correct the wrongs of the past. He said Cope is the only party that can provide adequate service delivery, and that the party wouldn’t make false promises to people that they are not going to pay for services.
“Everyone will be required to play their part in making sure that they pay their taxes so that service delivery will be achieved.
“Our mandate and focus will be making sure that municipalities prioritise economic inclusion and economic development for underdeveloped areas and townships,” he said.
He said the party promises to ensure affordable energy and internet connectivity through fibre for all.
He said they will create wealth for township property owners, as well as adequate water supply and affordability.
Cope also promised to upgrade the municipal sewerage system and to build more houses for the poor. Support for the party has been declining with each election since its formation. In the 2019 election, it lost one seat and kept two seats in the National Assembly.
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