L-R: Ayanda Allie #3; Mmusi Maimane #1; Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster #2; Kathryn L Berman #4 on BOSA Parliamentary List
In the 30th momentous year of our Democracy, there is much to celebrate:
President Mandela shepherded in a landmark Constitution and monumental legislative, institutional and societal change. Investment (financial and social) poured in in the heady days post-1994, and we were the flavour of the world. And then we lost our way.
Today, the amazing Democracy that we all fought so hard for, is faltering; leadership is overwhelmingly corrupt; and our resilient and faithful citizens are losing hope.
After decades dedicated to working in social justice, government and community as well as strategy, innovation and impact consulting to private sector – and disillusioned at how minuscule my impact work was, I decided that it was time for democrats and activists to step up.
It has been a challenging journey, but I know that I will serve you loyally, intelligently and faithfully. I hope that my commitment will be met with your support.
I do not believe that I am exceptional. But I do believe that I am committed and bring decades of expertise - social and intellectual - to the table.
I have worked in Government in an executive capacity and consulted to many Government and parastatal Departments (SARS, NPA, Treasury, Dept of Communications, Dept of Home Affairs, Dept of Social Services, ICASA, SITA, SABC etc), as well as multi-national organisations such as the World Bank.
I have been fortunate to assist in drafting much policy (including the National Development Plan) and have participated directly in Parliamentary proceedings.
Additionally, I am adding an LLM in Human Rights and Digital law to my BA Hons MBA and various diplomas.
I hope that this will assist in my being an effective Parliamentarian.
With that, I do not hold high any lofty promises. I promise to work hard for, and with, you. I do currently, and will continue to, consult widely in, and with, community.
What do I hope to do for you?
I am committed to working diligently in the General Assembly of Parliament and in Parliamentary Portfolio Committees. It is there that laws are drafted, passed and where implement and oversight occurs.
I have committed myself to the following Portfolio Committees, given my current and historical Human Rights focuses: Home Affairs; Health; Women, People with Disabilities and Children; Justice; Communications and Digital Technologies (I historically worked on Regulatory Authorities and Universal Access; my LLM dissertation is on AI regulation); Sports and Arts; and of course Small Business and Innovation.
I am determined to introduce a Member's Bill dedicated to establishing an opt-out regime for organ donation.
I also commit to finally seeing the introduction of true UNIVERSAL access (online).
I am also determined to ensure that most of the benefits and privileges bestowed on political office bearers are eliminated and that our salaries are capped with a significant portion donated to sectors of our choice. And, finally, that Parlliament becomes accessible to all people from all communities.
I first met with Mmusi Maimane in October 2022. He had established ONE SOUTH AFRICA (OSA) to fight for the introduction of Independent Candidates to Parliament. When the Portfolio Committee dragged out the legislative drafting -leading the activists to the ConCourt - Mmusi formed BUILD ONE SOUTH AFRICA with Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster.
I realised that our values were totally aligned. And where our policies and ideologies differed, this was accommodated for, as the party provided an umbrella for Independent Candidates.
It has been 18 months of full-time commitment to building BOSA. I believe our line-up is impressive: At Number 1 of 130 candidates for National and Provincial Ballots: Mmusi Maimane sports two Masters degrees, is completing a PhD and has the intelligence, knowledge, skills, compassion and charisma to lead us. He is joined by our indomitable co-founder Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster (Number 2 ) and the unequalled Ayanda Allie (3)- with more qualifications than I can accommodate here.
I am honoured to sit at Number 4 on the list.
Aside from our extensive community work, including delivering water- tanks, inverters, and school materials to marginalised communities, (in addition to the extensive community work that each candidate is committed to individually), we have focused on what we can do well: working with the law!
Two substantial achievements include:
- We were the first party to join a multi-party court action led by Adv. Thembeka Ngcukaitobi which resulted in an explosive affidavit by then-CEO of Eskom, André de Ruiter, followed by his resignation. The High Court ruled in our favour, compelling the Minister to deliver electricIty to hospitals, schools and police stations within 60 days. The Department appealed.
- BOSA’s antecedent, One South Africa, and then BOSA initiated a lengthy court action compelling the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee to deliver on an equitable Electoral Amendment Act enabling Independent Candidates to stand for Parliament. As you will be aware, with the intervention of the Constitutional Court, a flawed Act has emerged, enabling our first ever election with Independent candidates. We shall continue the work inside Parliament in 2024 to amend this act and to establish constituency representation
It is a matter of opinion, but Parliament will be so much more effective with a robust and dynamic range of opposition parties.
The new crop of talent - across all parties - that has decided to step up from civil society, community and business for this landmark election is both inspirational and exciting
Their finest are at the top of their lists. I can’t wait to serve on Portfolio Committees with them, ensuring that together we will deliver the best legislation - drafted, passed, implemented and monitored. For years to come. Please support us and please stay in touch!
