‘This is a historic moment’: AIC unveil its manifesto as it gears up for polls

The African Independent Congress (AIC) unveiled its election manifesto in Germiston, Gauteng Province on May 18, as the general elections draw near.

The AIC represents a compelling narrative of community empowerment through the amplification of voices. Established in 2005, this political party emerged in response to the fervent concerns of the Matatiele residents regarding the demarcation of their community within the Eastern Cape Province.

Formed by the community members of Matateile, AIC aimed for representing the community in the National Assembly since they believed the government was not addressing their concerns. “The AIC is here to ensure that the people are taking centre stage in governance,” said Galo in his speech.

Galo emphasized the importance of putting people first in governance.

He continued by saying: “Since its founding the AIC has made the voices of the poor masses heard and secured two seats in the National assembly in the 2019 general elections; and 44 seats in all municipalities in the country, during the local government elections in 2021.”

The formation and growth of the AIC tells a story of how communities can come together and create a platform for their voices to be heard and send representatives to democracy.

This also sheds light on the fact that independent candidates are now permitted on the ballot, which helps foster the growth of democracy in the country.

In his speech Mandla Galo also spoke on age discrimination: “The AIC will introduce a new youth age to be tween 18 and 45, furthermore promoting inclusiveness and equal opportunities to all ages in the work place” thus promoting
the much needed equality in South Africa.

Galo also touched on various topics such as alleviating poverty by increasing tax rates for the high earners, strengthening the the independence and effectiveness of the National prosecuting Authority and other state state anti corrupt agencies to promote a corrupt free government in the country.

As disruption broke out during his speech Galo continued to address the crowed by touching on the concerns that caused the disruption, he further stated that the AIC will expand and strengthen the social safety nets programmes such as social grands and unemployment benefits to provide a basic level of income and security to the vulnerable.

As they launched their election manifesto, the AIC aims to give power back to the traditional authorities in communities.

The party believe that traditional leaders and kings should be in charge of district municipalities, and they believe that the government should grant traditional leaders power to better address local concerns in rural areas.