African Movement Congress sets ambitious agenda for local governance

As South Africa gears up for the anticipated local government elections, the African Movement Congress (AMC.Roy) held its inaugural conference recently to elect new leaders who will represent the party in the upcoming electoral contest.

The event, held in Mount Edgecombe, drew more than 600 delegates from seven provinces.

At the 2024 national elections, AMC.Roy garnered 3,500 votes. Party spokesperson Sipho Mawelela attributed the modest result to the organisation’s brief existence, saying it had only been operational for a few months at the time.

However, he said he remained optimistic about the party’s prospects this time around, citing the deep-rooted connections its members have within their communities.

“We are aware of the problems the country is facing, and we have the solutions with a roadmap on how to get there. We are unlike other parties that rehash their promises every election year,” Mawelela said.

He added that the party had innovative approaches to addressing long-standing challenges such as crime, unemployment and corruption.

At the conference, AMC.Roy adopted a constitution and introduced a series of resolutions aimed at rejuvenating local governance and enhancing service delivery across South Africa. Central to the agenda was a commitment to contest elections in all regions, alongside a pledge to establish active branches in every ward.

The party also prioritised listening to the voices and needs of constituents and ensuring these are adequately addressed.

Mawelela said the vision of AMC.Roy transcends mere electoral ambitions, adding that the party is committed to a broader socio-economic agenda aimed at uplifting communities.

Some of the key resolutions adopted include:

• Creating job opportunities by empowering young entrepreneurs to establish businesses.

• Strengthening Community Policing Forums (CPFs) to combat crime more effectively.

• Establishing local centres to support victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and those at risk.

Other issues raised at the conference included a proposed ban on online gambling, tighter immigration laws, and decisive action against illegal immigration. Delegates also highlighted the need to confront drug addiction and address the root causes of poverty and unemployment.

The gathering culminated in the election of a new National Executive Committee, comprising Roy Moodley as president; Nokwanda Mdunge Mpontshane as deputy president; Chief Aubrey Modjadji as national chairperson; Musa Nkuna as secretary-general; Maritza Benson as deputy secretary-general; and Zamani Mngadi as national organiser.

DAILY NEWS