Press Statement
Immediate Release
27 October 2021
The Credible Alternative 1st Movement (CA1st): Ushering in a new era of credibility and accountability in the City of Cape Town
The Credible Alternative 1st Movement (CA1st) is ready to usher in a new era of credibility and accountability in the City of Cape Town. As an extension of the civil-society organisation, SA First Forum, we are all set to fight corruption and crime, tackle housing and transport issues, ensure seamless delivery of services, reduce water and electricity tariffs, uplift citizens through entrepreneurship, and encourage community wellness through participation in sport, arts and culture.
Corruption and accountability
CA1st will demonstrate through actions – not just words – what it is to put the interests of taxpayers and voters first. We are committed to stamping out corruption and unaccountable leaders who put their party and themselves first. People are fed up with establishment political parties. Our candidates are not career politicians. CA1st candidates have careers in various fields and are running for office to help restore the dignity of the people in their communities. Capetonians deserve better and their interests must be put first. We will recall any of our councillors, should they be found guilty of corruption, abuse of authority or are simply inefficient.
Service delivery
Our main focus will be on giving the poor and middle class more equitable services. For CA1st, it’s really all about lessening the burden on them. We will cut surcharges on basic services like water and electricity by at least 50%. This has to be done because these services must not be delivered to make profit.
Community upliftment through entrepreneurship
A huge part of a life with dignity, is the ability to earn an income. As we move to make the City of Cape Town more humane and caring, with a can-do attitude from the top office, there will be a huge focus on ensuring that the entrepreneurial efforts of the people of our city are able to flourish. We will make it easier for people to start and operate a small business, as well as trade informally to earn a living, as entrepreneurs.
Crime
Ensuring the safety of our citizens is a high on the CA1st agenda. The safety of our most vulnerable citizens, children, women, the elderly, and the LBGTQ community, will receive particular attention. We will introduce more practical programs to address some of the root causes of crime in Cape Town, and move away from the “Kragdadige” approach used by the City of Cape Town.
Housing and developments
We will adopt a different approach to dealing with the housing and spatial planning dilemma in the city. Decent, affordable housing is a right for everyone – not a privilege. This is the departure point for CA1st, as we take our “people first” activism from the streets to the City of Cape Town’s Chambers. For us, the provision of housing is much more than just putting a roof over someone’s head. It’s about ensuring that they are able to live in an environment in which they are able to be safe and thrive. CA1st commits itself to unlocking the bottlenecks that prevent housing delivery for all. We will also not be in support of the River Club development and will not oppose the court case against the city.
Transport
With the transport system in Cape Town in crisis, city commuters are all too often left frustrated. We will prioritise integrated, affordable and reliable public transport systems that reach all corners of the city. As a party of inclusivity, we will devote every effort to integrate taxis into this transport system. They are not our enemies. We will also make sure that the My Citi Bus Service reaches all areas and will work towards introducing a Light rail transit system (LRT) – something a previous transport MEC wanted to introduce.
Sport, arts and culture
Sport, arts and culture has an important role to play within our communities. CA1st will introduce various programs to harness the influence it has in community life. Children must play and have fun, and everyone should have the opportunity to express their artistic talents.
Environment
CA1at understands the importance of safeguarding our natural environment. We strongly believe that the quality of our water, air and soil must be prioritised by the City of Cape Town. We have a list of practical initiatives that we will put in place to protect and enhance the environment and ensure that Capetonians live in a cleaner city, in all respects.
Transform the way we do business
Our mission is to serve the people of the City of Cape Town whole-heartedly. With approachability and accessibility being characteristics of the party, we will listen better, work with our constituents and fight less with national government and civil society. CA1st will focus on what we can do to improve people’s lives and enable them to live in peace and harmony, instead of making their lives difficult.
ENDS
Issued by Shireen Fisher, Media Officer
Contact: 067 206 5837