Kamogelo Moichela|Published
Freedom Front Plus (FF+) is taking its campaign into townships traditionally dominated by the African National Congress (ANC), with former ANC members now seeking election under its banner, despite its opposition to key redress policies.
The party is fielding former ANC members Siphiwe Mhlongo in Mabopane, outside Pretoria, and Daniel Makgobola in Soweto in the November 4 elections.
Mhlongo insisted the move is about addressing problems facing citizens, not joining a popular political brand.
“Not because it is popular and not because it is fashionable but because it is necessary,” he said.
He reportedly said his priorities included creating jobs, developing township economies, improving safety and reducing communities’ dependence on government subsidies.
“My community is happy with the decision, and they are supportive and we are going to surprise everybody with the FF Plus and we are going to take this ward,” Mhlongo said.
He said the party’s position on BEE and affirmative action had not discouraged him, arguing that the country needed to tackle food security, unemployment and safety while building an economy that included people across racial lines.
Mhlongo said historical divisions should not prevent cooperation or exclude people with skills and experience that could contribute to economic growth.
“South Africa belongs to all who live in it, so if we respect the constitution and we love the reconciliation project,” he said, calling for an economy that includes white South Africans rather than shutting them out.
He argued that experience in farming and industrialisation could help strengthen the economy, while acknowledging the need to address the country’s history of economic inequality.
The party is also pushing back against perceptions that it represents white voters exclusively.
However, the FF+ has a strong, total opposition to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Affirmative Action (AA).
The party argues that using skin colour to determine job appointments, promotions, or business ownership criteria is a continuation of racial classification.
It also contended that these laws unfairly disadvantage minority communities, particularly white, coloured, and Indians, who are excluded from opportunities despite having the necessary qualifications.
Meanwhile, addressing supporters at the Zone 13 sports ground on Friday, Emfuleni Local Municipality mayoral candidate Cobus Cato rejected the description of the FF Plus as a white-only party.
Cato said political support should not be determined by skin colour, arguing that the party was open to anyone who subscribed to its principles.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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