Let me greet the media, the leaders of all political parties, Professor Gumede and his team, and my fellow South Africans.
The past two days have been challenging, but fruitful. I believe we emerge with renewed hope for South Africa’s future.
As you have heard, we have agreed on much. Paramount amongst this is that as a country, we need an alternative government that will put South Africans first.
Compatriots – the time is now.
I will repeat what I said yesterday: as politicians, we cannot bring change alone.
This must be a joint project for all the people of goodwill in South Africa, including civil society.
We cannot save South Africa without you.
We need every single South African who is eligible to vote to stand up and join the fight for a better South Africa.
Do you want to live in a country where your children can play safely on the streets, where the lights are always on, and where each person who is able and willing can get a decent job? Do you want to live in just, inclusive and prosperous South Africa?
I believe your answer is a resounding “yes”.
For this reason, the IFP would like to issue a clarion call to South Africa’s 13 million unregistered voters, and to South Africa’s 14 million dormant voters.
These 27 million voters are a sufficient number to remove the government of the day that has failed our people.
The people of South Africa are not happy about how our country is governed. Almost everything is falling apart and going from bad to worse.
This is why the people of South Africa must speak loudly and clearly in 2024, and say “enough is enough”.
The 2024 general elections will be a turning point; a watershed, make-or-break moment for our country.
The government that has failed our people, dashed our hopes and destroyed our country must be removed from power, and replaced by alternative government that will revive the hopes, dreams and aspirations of our people.
It therefore falls upon all of us – as people of goodwill – to stand up and to mobilise everybody, young and old: this is not only our own sake, but for the sake of our children, our country and future generations.
Everyone must be encouraged to register and vote to replace the failed government with an alternative government that will be decisive in fighting crime, ending loadshedding, closing porous borders, bringing an end to poverty and inequality, and creating a conducive environment to attract investors to rebuild our economy and thereby create much-needed job opportunities.
Nothing is impossible.
Let us all stand up and save and rebuild South Africa.
We can and we must. Let us do it.
I thank you.
[Click to download high-resolution photos of Hon. VF Hlabisa]
