By Doreen Mokgolo
Leaders of the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) believe the party is a government in waiting.
Two weeks ago, the party launched its 2024 election manifesto, “Our land and our legacy — our territorial heritage as a people — comes first,” in Orlando, where it was founded in 1959.
Over the years, the party’s parliamentary presence has declined, and it now holds only one seat. Similarly, in the key metros of Cape Town, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane, the party’s representation is minimal.
During the 2019 national elections, the party had between 30,000 and 50,000 members.
Abel Radebe, the party’s Gauteng Premier candidate, says membership has since grown to 100,000.
“With these numbers, we will be able to deploy more members in parliament and municipalities. The PAC is a big party; we can win the elections now that we have resolved our internal challenges,” he said.
Radebe said the party has cleansed itself of members who brought it into disrepute through floor-crossing and factionalism — problems that were resolved in court.
In its manifesto, party leader Mzwanele Nyhontso says that, since the start of democracy, it has become evident that the apartheid-era National Party has maintained its power, perpetuating white dominance and preserving privilege.
He described the current ruling party as having been reduced to a caretaker role.
“The advent of so-called democracy initially inspired hope for a better life among many Africans; however, as time passed, the enthusiasm linked to this aspiration diminished.
“It affirmed our stance that a compromised state lacking control over the country’s wealth is ill-equipped to deliver services and improve people’s lives,” he said.
Pictured above: PAC members.
Image source: Supplied
