Press Statement
Immediate Release
19 October 2021
CA1st mayoral candidate believes in dignity first
Mayoral candidate for the Credible Alternative First Movement (CA1st), Advocate Rod Solomons, is set on restoring the dignity of the people of the City of Cape Town. CA1st, which is a branch of the values-based civil society organisation, SA First Forum, is on a mission to provide an efficient, honest and unbiased municipal approach to leading – with a zero-tolerance attitude towards corruption.
A major concern for Solomons, has always been the prevalence of classism within the city, which serves to benefit the elite, while the poor and middle class remain left in the dark. The turning point, which saw the organisation extend an arm into the political arena, was the renewed lack of diversity within the city’s governing party.
“What bothered me was when I saw the candidates that the other key parties in Cape Town offered as potential mayors,” he explains. “I just saw white male candidates – in a diverse and fractured City like Cape Town. That was it for me! Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against white males, but in this day and age, it is totally unacceptable that this was best for Cape Town. I then put everything I planned to do with my life on hold and decided to enthuse other ordinary Capetonians to join me in stepping up to the plate and offer Capetonians a credible alternative.”
“Capetonians have had enough of being taken for granted and being used as voting fodder, to promote the interests of political parties. Many have lost hope in the current administration and feel that there are no other options. The seemingly deliberate inefficiencies of the current DA-led administration, steered by their elitism and classism has left so many Capetonians frustrated and without the services they deserve. When our people speak up, their pleas either fall on deaf ears, or are met with bureaucratic or political jargon or indifference. This must come to an end and we, as the Credible Alternative First Movement, will see to that.”
Solomons remains steadfast in his commitment to put the interests of the people of Cape Town first – before the interests of the party and its leaders. With 28 ward councillors running, he maintains that each candidate is in the race in a bid to be of service to people, the constitution and country.
“Our candidates are not going to Council to get jobs for life, but to serve the people, as most have their own careers. We offer credible solutions to the challenges facing the people of Cape Town, with a focus on water, electricity, transport, trading and housing, so that people are provided with the kind of services they deserve.”
“Due to our track record from the SA First Forum, we will uphold an absolute zero tolerance stance on corruption and abuse of power. This is underpinned by a Values Charter that was derived from the organisation,” he adds.
“We fought corruption, incompetence and self-interest from the streets and will continue to do so from the benches of the Council Chambers. CA1st will continue to strive towards a humane, caring, can-do Cape Town.”
ENDS/
Issued by Shireen Fisher, Media Officer
Contact: 067 206 5837