African Born Freedom Fighter
ALEXANDRA – New political party born in Alex.
Alex may soon be home to the country’s newest political party born from the unending hardship of residents.
The African Born Freedom Fighter (ABFF) party has emerged after the abandonment of the globally hailed democratic agenda of 1994 by subsequent post-apartheid administrations which have failed to turn the hopes of the poor into reality. This according to one of the party’s 19 founder executive members and Alex-born Thabiso Makwela, who attended Skeen Primary and Minerva Secondary schools before qualifying in business administration from Emajuba College in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Our mission may be lofty but it is achievable through the vacuum left by irresponsible, untrustworthy, unaccountable and corrupt governance by those entrusted [to run] the country. Those in power reneged on the public’s trust and reverted to apartheid-era practices of neglecting the poor,” Makwela said.
He added that the current leaders probably got into political positions with nothing but good intentions, only to succumb to the trappings of absolute power for self-enrichment through the public purse. “As a result, residents of Alex and many poor townships have been victims of unfulfilled promises of basic essentials for decent lives. When services are eventually provided, it is after long delays due to the maze of bureaucracy, and after residents’ suffering has compounded into other problems.”
He said the party has strategies for quick, real and substantive change to deal with huge and entrenched poverty.
Its formation gained traction two years ago when, at the reburial of Makwela’s uncle Nicky ‘Nsizwa’ Hlongwane, the government was criticised for corruption which the party founders felt was a betrayal of the public’s trust and Hlongwane struggle contribution. Hlongwane was bestowed with the acclaimed Order of Ikhamanga which is awarded to South Africans who have been exemplary in the fields of arts, culture, journalism, literature, music or sport.
“His and others’ selfless histories inspired us to get involved – beyond youth centres, churches and businesses – to enable us to deal with broad issues of social empowerment and transformation at local and national level.”
He highlighted the continuing overcrowding, unemployment and compounding indebtedness of many in bonded homes with leaking old zinc roofs and bursting sewerage and water pipes, which aren’t maintained despite huge maintenance budgets. “Conditions remain similar to the riotous 1970s and continue to fester through crime, liquor and drug abuse, failed by-law enforcement, ineffective prosecutions and a dysfunctional education system.”
He urged residents to give the party, made up of mainly youth worried about society’s future, a chance. “We will restore the trust of good governance by Africans, ensure history and the curriculum in schools are relevant to help restore our dignity and develop new and trustworthy leaders for the future.”
Details on membership can be acquired through 073 688 9073 or at number 29, 10th Avenue.
