Rise Mzansi addresses South Africa’s key issues including BELA Act and NHI

SCOPARise Mzansi

Cape Town — Political newcomer, Rise Mzansi discussed some of the important issues and challenges it feels the Government of National Unity (GNU) needs to address.

In a statement, the party said it was giving its perspective on the issues of local and international political significance. Among the issues discussed included the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill and its role in the GNU and Parliament.

Rise Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi, said the party remains in firm support of the BELA Act being implemented. While the law is not perfect, the party feels it will ensure laws related to schooling are regulated.

“It must implemented without delay, and those who believe the Act is legally flawed must approach the courts. This is a position we have put before the Clearing House Mechanism, and which we now place before the media and the people of South Africa,” Zibi said.

Zibi believes that admission and language policies of schools must come from provincial heads and school governing bodies, to eliminate the perceived and real discrimination on the basis of language.

He also believes that homeschooling should be regulated to meet the quality of education standards, while he was also concerned about the penalties for parents and children who are not enrolled in Grade R.

“We also want to again dissuade various role players and stakeholders from contaminating the legislation for their own narrow and political interests. The interests of learners and educators must come first, regardless of their race, class or locality,” Zibi said.

Zibi said the party strongly supports the idea of universal healthcare but does not think the implementation of the NHI will deliver on this.

“The public healthcare system as it stands simply cannot take on the NHI nor can the fiscus afford it. We must ensure that we build a working system on the current foundation rather than attempting to build something new and expensive,” Zibi said.

Only 40% of South Africa’s public healthcare facilities comply with the legislated standards by the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC), which is a concern as most South Africans rely on public healthcare facilities.

“Ultimately we cannot build a quality and accessible healthcare system if issues such as underfunding, corruption, loss of skills to the private sector, and management of healthcare facilities, are not managed.

“South Africa needs all its health facilities to be well-equipped, have sufficient professional and auxiliary staff, and be properly managed and led,” Zibi said.

Additionally, Zibi said the GNU faces several key issues which have not yet been addressed.

“The next hurdle for the GNU and the country is the National Dialogue. This cannot be just another event or talk shop if we are serious about building the South Africa we all deserve,” he said.

He added that the National Dialogue must understand the current situation South Africa is in and take steps to get South Africa to the next level, as its people are looking for a government that works for them.

“Our message to them is simple: Grow up and do the work of serving South Africa and its people!” he added.

Other important issues Zibi addressed were the current state of the economy and what it can do to improve, such as job creation, while food safety was another important issue to address, considering the rising number of foodborne illnesses linked to spaza shops.

“We remain committed to building a safe, prosperous, equal and united South Africa, where all people live happy and dignified lives,” Zibi concluded.

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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