A.C.C. PLEDGE

We are inspired by the ideals of social liberal democracy, underpinned by our unsurpassed commitment to social justice and universal human rights, rooted in improving the lives of all persons with a deliberate focus on marginalised groups who suffer unending aggression on the bases of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion and disability.

We recognise the historic injustices perpetrated by minority whites-only apartheid government against black majority South Africans for many decades. Racial segregation has caused irreparable damage to the hearts and minds of many South Africans, we commit to changing this status quo. We reject racism and any form of prejudice.

Our programme of action for a pragmatic and urgent desire for inclusivity, social change and pluralism will deliver a united society, and the need for a meaningful approach to real redress. We will not do this through a quota-based system, but appreciation for equity through the alertness for diversity in South Africa and an inclusive workplace, and in all facets of life where state resources are to be utilised. Institutionalised racism has no place where the A.C.C. is in government and where we are in opposition we will fervently oppose it with all we have in our quest and undying love for social justice.

Our commitment to making South Africa work is ingrained in our fibre, we will constantly endeavour to harness citizens’ involvement in attaining justice for all. In pursuit for social justice is the ultimate objective to redistribute power to improve individuals’ well-being through equal access to justice, economic opportunities, universal access to health care, and a cradle-to-grave education system.

A.C.C. activists and supporters across the country will incessantly push for social justice in South Africa, the much-needed bold changes need an active society not just public administrators – we need all-hands-on-deck in government, non-profit organisations, foundations, public health and regulatory agencies – responsible for shaping data-driven policies and proposals in aid for delivery and scientific well researched intervention.

Public administrators must be non-partisan in their duty of civil service and approach to development of a country. They must be politically unbiased and conscious of the real challenges confronting millions of our people by constantly looking for creative reforms, otherwise this will frustrate politicians, making progressive promises to citizens without any of them being implemented. This progressive agenda toward social justice requires carefully crafted public policies. This is even more urgent in our highly polarised political climate, effective policies also demand a nuanced understanding of political, economic and social systems and a strong grasp of any action’s legal and social implications.

With this pledge, the A.C.C., therefore, strives to uphold the following principles:

i) Access
We believe that access to resources is a fundamental principle of social justice. Unfortunately, in many areas of our society, communities have had different levels of access based on factors such as our country’s history, socioeconomic status, education, employment and environment. The A.C.C. associates education with access to better opportunities for employment, higher-paying and stable jobs and economic advancement. It follows that when quality, equitable education is not available, that lack feeds the cycle of unemployment, low-wage occupations and poverty, limiting access to future generations. By levelling the playing field, the A.C.C. aims to expand access to health, education, community development and safety resources to all communities, especially the economically disadvantaged communities.

It is for this reason that the A.C.C.’s “cradle to grave” policy approach advocates for free public education for everyone from grade 0 until they attain their first degree; we call this the cradle to grave approach.
With this approach, the A.C.C. aims to eliminate the financial barriers created by economic disparities in the educational system. The A.C.C. further commits to implementing more equitable funding distribution for essential resources, thereby improving the quality of education for students in rural and all disadvantaged communities. This is because the A.C.C. believes it will not help just to create free education without improving the quality of teaching and learning and drastically repurposing the infrastructure budget to directly impact the most vulnerable, the poor and the downtrodden.

ii) Equity
We believe it is easy to confuse the terms “equity” and “equality”, but those equitable things are not always equal. The efforts and resources required for two different people to achieve a common goal can vary widely. A case in point, the A.C.C. appreciates that to complete a college degree, some students may need more support and educational resources than their peers in more affluent areas. It becomes imperative to provide equitable resources that focus on the specific needs of communities and the individuals within them to achieve social justice and ensure equal access to opportunities for success.

For this reason, the A.C.C.’s advocacy for social justice means promoting policies that address systemic barriers, and exclusionary practices by implementing guidelines for inclusive education and adding more technically astute resources for students based on their needs assessment.

iii) Diversity
Acknowledging that public administrators remain better equipped to craft policies that address everyone’s needs when they recognise the differences between individuals and groups which is paramount in the A.C.C.’s approach to managing diversity in workspaces and across public service. To be effective, the A.C.C. propagates for policymakers that recognise and accept all factors that create barriers and then work on ways to overcome them. By understanding diversity and need for an inclusive South Africa in all facets of life through embracing cultural differences, and societal background, we will expand opportunities and harness access for all.

We believe that we need to reduce employment discrimination by implementing policies that bar discrimination when it is based on race, gender, gender identity, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, age, physical ability and a host of other human traits.

iv) Participation
Individuals will have the opportunity and platform to participate in making the policies that affect their well-being. Even well-meaning public administrators can create exclusionary policies without bringing diverse voices, which is dangerous for social justice.

A select group of people in powerful government positions often make policies and decisions influenced by limited exposure to what actually works and this will never happen under the A.C.C government. Public office bearers and bureaucrats can prevent this by carefully considering who will be part of the decision-making process, purposely inviting advocates for groups not adequately represented, and encouraging dialogue to foster an effective and inclusive policy development process.

v) Universal Human Rights
Universal human rights, are inherent to all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status. Human rights and social justice are inevitably intertwined; having one without the other is impossible. In this country, these rights manifest in laws granting freedom of speech, voting rights, criminal justice protection, and many other fundamental rights.

We are unapologetically determined in our uncompromising commitment to driving the social justice agenda in South Africa. We are acutely aware that the journey will not be easy, especially regarding conflicting ideas about equality, equity, fairness and allocating limited resources to all people. Our advances towards the achievement of inequality will disrupt the status quo, which can be a threat to those people or groups who are in the palaces of power and enemies of progress.
As a result, our elected representatives and public administrators will have a clear mandate through a just policy review to balance the need for social change with the realities of political and economic structures and then work within the system to deliver real and just change.

PERSONAL DUTY AND DECLARATION

As a Member of A.C.C. in good standing and with a clear conscience, I am committed to follow this pledge and align myself with the commitment of the party. I believe in a South Africa of all persons, and endeavour to help deliver it in all my deeds and with all my might in public and in my personal capacity. I genuinely believe that we will achieve social justice in our lifetime and the A.C.C. is the perfect vehicle to realise these ideals.

Social Justice Now! People First! We are the Change Champions!