ActionSA has announced an extension to the public engagement window for its campaign aimed at soliciting views on forming a multi-party pact as an alternative to the current government.
ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont said in a statement on Tuesday that a decision to extend the deadline to July 23 comes in response to overwhelming public interest and participation in the consultation process.
Beaumont emphasized the importance of the engagement platform in the lead-up to the multi-party pact convention scheduled for August 16 and 17.
“To this end, we encourage all South Africans who have not yet made their voices heard to do so by following the link here, so that ActionSA can ensure that your inputs can be taken into account,” Beaumont said.
According to Beaumont, since the opening of the consultation process last week, ActionSA has received an impressive response, with over 14 000 inputs from citizens and stakeholders.
He said the influx of public engagement continued steadily until the initial deadline on Sunday evening. However, to ensure that all voices are heard and considered, a decision to extend the window was made.
He stressed that the success of the multi-party convention lies in political leaders representing the collective aspirations and hopes of millions of South Africans seeking a positive change for the nation.
Beaumont added that the convention should prioritize the interests of South Africans above narrow party-political agendas, which have been a shortcoming in previous coalition efforts.
“This multi-party convention cannot succeed if it is political leaders speaking for themselves and their parties, but rather must speak for millions of South Africans who seek change that puts South Africa on the path to a better future.
“This will require something which has been decidedly absent in coalitions to date – the placement of South Africans ahead of narrowly defined party-political interests.
“It is a positive development that so many people are engaging in this process, because there can be no doubt that the political parties at this convention will represent the hopes and ambitions of millions of South Africans who seek change in their country.
“Representing these views should not be taken lightly.”
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