ActionSA Firmly Opposes Referendum Party's Integration into Multi-Party Charter

ActionSA, one of the co-founding parties of the Multi-Party Charter (MPC) in South Africa, has taken a definitive stand against the Referendum Party's proposition to join the compiled coalition, citing fundamental disagreements in constitutional values and national unity.

Michael Beaumont, the national chairperson of ActionSA, expressed a deep-seated opposition to the Referendum Party given its association with the controversial Cape Independence Movement. In a stringent meeting held on Thursday with the 11 parties constituting the MPC, the collective decision to reject the Referendum Party's application unfolded.

Standards of Sovereignty and Constitutional Allegiance

ActionSA's outright rejection emerges from a staunch belief in the sovereignty of the South African state, encompassing all nine provinces under one constitution. The principles ushered in at the origin of the MPC assert that all parties involved must resonate with the constitution's fabric and embrace similar visions for the advancement of South Africa.

Beaumont conveyed that any outfit challenging these constitutional pillars is unsuitable for the MPC, and the very notion of a separate charter for the Western Cape strikes as constitutionally offensive to the ideals of the collective alliance.

Cape Secession: Unrealistic Ideals of Independence

The notion of Cape secession has particularly irked the sensibilities of the MPC. Beaumont strongly criticized the concept as exclusionary, historically and economically flawed, and propelled more by criticism of the ANC than by the legitimate grounds for independence recognized internationally.

The Divisive Threat vs The United Front Against Governance Woes

Emphasizing the dire need to rectify the governance lapses evident not only in the Western Cape but across South Africa, ActionSA views MPC's broader mission as indispensable. Beaumont iterated that the charter's purpose is not to disassemble the nation but to amalgamate forces towards the common goal of unseating the ANC from national government as the only feasible route to rehabilitating the nation.

Decentralization of Government: Key to National Progress

The MPC stands together in an agreement that decentralizing government functions to the most effective level of governance is imperative, aiming at coalition-based governance post the 2024 elections. In this context, ActionSA's dedication to the charter's objectives holds the conviction that the ANC's removal from power, both nationally and provincially, can transpire sans any secessionist agendas like those advocated by the Referendum Party.

Ultimately, Unity over Secession

In spirit with the MPC's condemnation of the bid, Beaumont also voiced strong assurances to South African citizens that the removal of the ANC from power would not come at the price of internal fragmentation or the need for passports to cross into the Western Cape.

By firmly defending the constitution and promoting unity over division, ActionSA and the MPC have integrally solidified their opposition to the Referendum Party, standing steadfast behind the philosophy of a united South Africa to address the challenges besetting the current governance.