THE African Renaissance Unity (ARU) launched on Saturday ahead of the November 4 Local Government Elections, positioning itself as another political contender for eThekwini and the rest of the country.

The party was relaunched in Durban’s Berea, with some familiar faces joining its ranks at the launch. Among those in attendance were ousted uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) founder Jabulani Khumalo and Overport Ratepayers’ Association chairperson Abdool Valodia, who was introduced as the ARU’s deputy president.

Former Afrika Mayibuye Movement secretary-general Siphephile Mahlaba was unveiled as the party’s interim president. Addressing supporters, Mahlaba extended an invitation to people of all races and traditional leaders who feel marginalised to join the party.

Pledging to eradicate what he described as institutionalised segregation, Mahlaba said one of the party’s first priorities would be to remove the requirement for applicants to indicate their race on official forms, reduce dependency on the State and improve service delivery.

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“The change in the political landscape of this country is long overdue,” said Mahlaba. “So many of our people are still not free. Too many of our political leaders have pursued personal wealth and power while ordinary citizens continue to suffer, but today marks a new beginning.”

He said the party aimed to improve service delivery and build an inclusive government. “We are going to be the government that works for everyone and stands firm with the poor, vulnerable and marginalised, regardless of the colour of their skin, background or religion,” said Mahlaba.

“We are going to deliver water, power homes and restore the dignity of the people and future generations. This is not just the launch of another political party; it is the beginning of national unity and the restoration of hope to South Africans.”

His sentiments were echoed by secretary-general Bishop Meshack Tebe, who said the party would prioritise tackling unemployment and eliminating inefficiencies that, according to the party, delay service delivery.

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“We want ordinary citizens to benefit directly from the source. Municipalities should not be sub-selling services like water and electricity. Cut out the middleman. Residents must be given the right to decide how they want services to be delivered; it cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach,” said Tebe, who also called for the employment of more civil servants.

“If government hires more people and pays them a decent wage, that will mean more taxpayers and a reduction in unemployment.”

The party also proposed scrapping district municipalities to allow residents to access services directly from government. “If government is failing to lead us, they must not underestimate the power of the masses. The revolution is coming,” said Mahlaba.

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