ACDP ANNOUNCES THAT IT IS LEAVING THE MULTI PARTY GOVERNMENT IN THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN.

African Christian Democratic Party

Media Release
Attention News Editor
ACDP Parliament
11th June 2009

ACDP ANNOUNCES THAT IT IS LEAVING THE MULTI PARTY GOVERNMENT IN THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN.
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ACDP President, Rev. KRJ Meshoe, MP today announced that the ACDP is walking away from the Multi Party Government of the City of Cape Town and all other municipalities in the Western Cape where it governs with the Democratic Alliance (DA).

“We regret having to make this decision but we do so due to the bad faith of the DA who has broken the City Multi Party Government (MPG) agreement, signed in March 2006, and a similar agreement in Theewaterskloof municipality (where the DA unilaterally removed the ACDP’s Mayco member Cllr. Simmers in May 2009).

The DA broke the City MPG agreement in May 2009 by announcing their intention to remove the ACDP’s office bearer (Cllr. Haskin) from its negotiated post of Executive Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, basing their decision on allegations against two other ACDP office bearers. The details of these allegations have still not been provided by the DA in spite of their written undertaking to do so on 11 May 2009. The DA used their larger caucus numbers in council to pass their motion of no–confidence in Cllr. Haskin.

Allow me to briefly sketch the necessary background to the Multi Party Agreement in Cape Town.

The ACDP played a key role in setting up the City of Cape Town MPG after the municipal election of March 2006, by forming a forum of smaller parties, which then agreed to invite the DA to form the MPG. Similar agreements have existed in other municipalities in the Western Cape but none of these agreements were ever dependant on each other.

In January 2007, the Cape Town MPG’ s slim and fragile majority of 1 seat ended when the African Muslim Party (AMP) was kicked out for plotting with the ANC to overthrow the MPG.

For most onlookers, the announcement regarding the AMP’s leaving and the Independent Democrats (ID) joining shortly thereafter appeared as a mature, seamless transition. But it was the ACDP who, alone, re-secured the future of this government by offering up its most senior seat (Executive Deputy Mayor of Cape Town) in order to draw the ID into the government. This selfless act is yet to be repeated by another party in the government. Had the ACDP not done so, the City government’s vital vision of presenting a successful coalition to all South Africans would have ended there and then.

The ACDP’s sacrifice restored the MPG, brought about a more comfortable majority, and ensured political stability in Cape Town. The DA continually chooses to ignore this.

But in Sept 2007, the then Executive Mayor, Helen Zille, rejected the ACDP’s choice for Deputy Mayor (being Cllr. Haskin), eventually admitting publicly that they wanted the post for themselves. Though the DA eventually capitulated and reluctantly agreed that the ACDP could retain this post, this clearly indicates how desperate they were to obtain this particular post.

The DA finally succeeded in taking this post from the ACDP on 27 May 2009 and publicly admitted once again that they need the post “to be as effective as possible politically”. This proves that their taking the post has nothing to do with their claims and allegations against the ACDP.

The ACDP walks away from governing with the DA in the Western Cape because we are not prepared to be used and discarded by the DA when they no longer need us, this particularly after they needed us in order to begin governing and to achieve the remarkable success in governing.

The ACDP remains committed to the principles, vision and need for multi party governance in South Africa, to participate in such governments and to contribute to their success across South Africa. However, the kind of treatment we have been subjected to by the DA does not bode well for all partner parties, especially given the likelihood of there being no outright winner in the 2011 Local Government Elections in certain municipalities or the 2014 National Elections in certain Provinces.

In conclusion we wish to thank the former Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Grant Haskin, for his exemplary track record of hard work, dedication and initiative during his term in office as the Executive Deputy Mayor of Cape Town. Amongst numerous examples, in his term he delivered South Africa's first two municipal outpatient treatment centers for alcohol and drug users (with two more opening this year), South Africa's first municipal 24/7 toll free helpline for alcohol and drug related challenges, and represented not only Host City Cape Town, but indeed South Africa as 2010 Fifa World Cup hosts with excellence, ably presenting the Host City's 2010 progress and readiness to scores of international guests, journalists, Fifa and senior politicians. The ACDP is proud of these achievements which prove that we are ready and able to govern whenever the opportunity presents itself”.

Ends-
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For more information please contact:
Rev KRJ Meshoe, MP and President: 082 962 5884
ACDP Media Liaison: Liziwe Ndalana
Tel: 021 403 3307/ 072 103 8899

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 20

DAY 20 Pray the Blessing: 1 Thess 5:23-24 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Declare your faith: I confess and believe that God sent the Holy Spirit so empower the Church to fulfill the purposes of God on this earth in my generation (Acts 1:8; 2 Tim 1:9)
Pray on foot: Pray at the place where the gospel entered into your city or nation, or at a site where you can declare that God’s purpose for your nation is to know Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Saviour of the world.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 19

DAY 19 Pray the Blessing: John 4:6-14 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock." Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is the giver of the water of life, and that He has given us everything to live a godly life (Rev 21:6; 2 Pet 1:3).
Pray on foot: Pray at the water source of your town or city, e.g. well, oasis, fountain, storage tank, and ask for a release of the living water in your community.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 18

DAY 18 Pray the Blessing: Ps 119:1-8 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that Jesus is a righteous judge and that his kingdom is a kingdom of righteousness (Rev 9:11; Isa 9:7).
Pray on foot: Pray at your magistrate office or town council that those who make decisions on behalf of the city will do it in accordance with God’s standards of righteousness.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 17

DAY 17 Pray the Blessing: Ps 33:10-19 The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine.
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that Jesus Christ does not want anyone to perish but all people to come to the saving knowledge of Him as the Son of God (2 Pet 3:9; John 3:16)
Pray on foot: Share the gospel today with at least one unbeliever and pray for those nations and people groups who have not yet heard the gospel of Jesus Christ.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 16

DAY 16 Pray the Blessing: Luke 6:27-35 "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that through Jesus Christ, I was reconciled to God and that I received the ministry of reconciliation so that through doing good evil will be overcome
(2 Cor 5:19; 1 Pet 3:9; Rom 12:21)
Pray on foot: Pray for anyone who you believe to be your enemy and bless him/her today by doing a good deed

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 15

DAY 15 Pray the Blessing: Deut 28:11-14 And the LORD will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. The LORD will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them, and if you do not turn aside from any of the words that I command you today, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.
Declare your faith: I confess and believe that the God of heaven and earth can open the windows of heaven and supply in all the needs of my nation (Mal 3:10; 2 Cor 9:7-10)
Pray on foot: Pray at the economic headquarters of your nation, e.g. stock exchange, reserve bank, financial institutions, banks, etc.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 14

DAY 14 Pray the Blessing: Matt 25:31-40 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that Jesus Christ came set the captives free and that by his death on the cross He broke the hold of sin over our lives (Luke 4:18).
Pray on foot: Visit a prison today and pray for the prisoners, their families and their needs.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 13

DAY 13 Pray the Blessing: Ps 92:12-15 The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter sent by Jesus to be our helper (John 14:16-18)
Pray on foot: Pray for and perform a kind deed for an old person today or visit an old-age home to pray for the people.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 12

DAY 12 Pray the Blessing: Phil 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus..
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that Jesus is faithful and just and that He will supply all our needs (2 Tim 2:13; Phil 4:19)
Pray on foot: Pray at refugee camps or places where displaced people stay e.g. night shelters. Demonstrate the love and care of God to them visibly by helping them to build shelters or giving towards their needs.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 11

DAY 11 Pray the Blessing: Pro 11:11 By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is the Word of God and that the implanted Word brings salvation (John 1:1; James 1:21).
Pray on foot: Pray at the newspaper’s office that the words of the upright will exalt the city and that the mouth of the wicked will be stopped.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 10

DAY 10 Pray the Blessing: Ps 113:1-3 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, that He will build the Church and that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Col 1:18; Matt 16:18)
Pray on foot: Prayer-walk your community and pray at all the churches for unity, perseverance, growth and for the power of the Holy Spirit to manifest through their members. Make an appointment with the bishop, moderator, cardinal, priest or senior church officials and pray for those leading the flock.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 9

DAY 9 Pray the Blessing: Deut 28:7-10 "The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. The LORD will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. And he will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. The LORD will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in his ways. And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you.
Declare your faith: I confess and believe that faith in God will help me to overcome all fears, because God has not given us a spirit of fear but of love, power and self-control (Heb 11:6; 2 Tim 1:7)
Pray on foot: Pray at sites that cause your nation to fear, e.g. crime, violence, war, poverty, injustice, etc., or at sites of bloodshed, battlefields or accidents.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 8

DAY 8 Pray the Blessing: Joel 2:12-14 "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD your God?
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that God is merciful and compassionate towards all people (Ps 103:13).
Pray on foot: Pray at sites of disasters e.g. earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, asking God to be merciful and compassionate towards the victims. Demonstrate God’s compassion in loving acts to them.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 7

DAY 7 Pray the Blessing: Mark 9:36-37 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me."
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that God loves children and wants to bless them (Matt 19:13).
Pray on foot: Visit an orphanage, children’s home or street children and share the love of God with the children by playing with them or helping with their needs or even taking a child home for the weekend.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 6

DAY 6 Pray the Blessing: John 16:24-33 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. "I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father." His disciples said, "Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that Jesus Christ is the light of the world, and that the light will overcome the darkness (John 1:4-5).
Pray on foot: Pray outside pagan temples, sites dedicated to other gods, mosques or ancient sites of pagan worship.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 5

DAY 5 Pray the Blessing: Deut 28:1-6 "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Jesus Christ and that there will be no end to His Government (Matt 28:18; Isaiah 9:7).
Pray on foot: Pray at the highest authority in your city or nation, e.g. Parliament, Palace, High Court or Presidential office.

ACDP wishes all South African youth well in preparation for the celebration of youth month

African Christian Democratic Party
Media Statement

ACDP Parliament
Steve Swart, MP
10th June 2009

ACDP wishes all South African youth well in preparation for the celebration of youth month
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ACDP MP, Steve Swart, today wished all South African youth well as we prepare to celebrate the vibrant voice of the youth on National Youth day next week:

“Let us also celebrate the wonderful contribution made by the talents, resources, and ideas of our young men and women.

Young people have acted as drivers of change and have participated actively in the development of a socially inclusive and economically empowering society.

We also need to remember those youth at risk which includes youth living with HIV and AIDS, youth-headed households, youth in conflict with the law, youth abusing alcohol and drugs, and unemployed youth living in poverty. Besides the vibrant voice that we hear, there is also a heartfelt cry for help… for guidance … for love.

Whilst the Constitution ensures many rights for youths, there are concomitant responsibilities - young people have inter alia the responsibility to show full respect for parents and elders…and to respect sound families, communities and societal values.

In the amended National Youth Policy accepted by Cabinet last month, there is mention of the specific responsibility that exists for all citizens to strengthen relationships between parents and young people, and to create a safe and nurturing environment where young people will be able to exercise their responsibilities effectively.

Why is thus so crucial. The ACDP believes that a main reason why there are so many young people at risk that includes youth living with HIV and AIDS, youth-headed households, youth in conflict with the law, youth abusing alcohol and drugs - is absent fathers.

This is not to detract from the many mothers, particularly single mothers, who are doing their very best to raise their children, and who were acknowledged during the International Day of the Family on 29 May by the Minister of Social Development, Honourable Molema.

She emphasised what the ACDP has continuously promoted, that it is “strong families that build and ensure a better life for children and our country. Families are where we all turn FOR first for love and fulfilment, and for solutions to the challenges we face… We cannot have a strong nation or a strong government, if the foundations of our families are weak.”

Let us then not forget about the crucial role that fathers play. There is a story of young elephant bulls that caused damage in a game park. As soon as a mature elephant bull was introduced the young males stopped misbehaving. One of the key elements in assisting youth at risk will be when fathers take up their rightful role to love, guide, protect and provide for their children.

A well known Argentinean author, Ed Silvoso, quoting from Malachi, has said that for true transformation to take place in any society the hearts of the fathers must turn to the children and the children to the fathers. It begins however with the fathers.

What role models are they portraying? Are they committing acts of domestic violence and abuse - even raping their own daughters – drunkenness – drug abuse – failing to pay maintenance …what role models are these?

Let us remember three year-old Ashwin Hurling from Hanover Park whose parents are standing trial for his murder following extreme physical abuse. According to evidence, he was terrified at the prospect of visiting his father. He tried to protect his mother from abuse. A three year-old. Shame on them. Shame on us that we have failed this child and so many thousands of other children.

Is this what the youth of 1976 fought for?

As we prepare to celebrate Youth Day next week, let us as fathers take up our God-given role to provide exemplary role models for our children”.
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For more information please contact:
Steve Swart, MP: 083 285 6290
ACDP Media Liaison: Liziwe Ndalana
Tel: 021 403 3307/072 103 8899

This release is sent from a ‘sending only’ e-mail address. To subscribe or unsubscribe please communicate with lndalana@parliament.gov.za

ACDP ANNOUNCES THAT IT IS LEAVING THE MULTI PARTY GOVERNMENT IN THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN.

African Christian Democratic Party

Media Release
A ttention News Editor
ACDP Parliament
11th June 2009

ACDP ANNOUNCES THAT IT IS LEAVING THE MULTI PARTY GOVERNMENT IN THE CITY OF CAPE TOWN.
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ACDP President, Rev. KRJ Meshoe, MP today announced that the ACDP is walking away from the Multi Party Government of the City of Cape Town and all other municipalities in the Western Cape where it governs with the Democratic Alliance (DA).

“We regret having to make this decision but we do so due to the bad faith of the DA who has broken the City Multi Party Government (MPG) agreement, signed in March 2006, and a similar agreement in Theewaterskloof municipality (where the DA unilaterally removed the ACDP’s Mayco member Cllr. Simmers in May 2009).

The DA broke the City MPG agreement in May 2009 by announcing their intention to remove the ACDP’s office bearer (Cllr. Haskin) from its negotiated post of Executive Deputy Mayor of Cape Town, basing their decision on allegations against two other ACDP office bearers. The details of these allegations have still not been provided by the DA in spite of their written undertaking to do so on 11 May 2009. The DA used their larger caucus numbers in council to pass their motion of no–confidence in Cllr. Haskin.

Allow me to briefly sketch the necessary background to the Multi Party Agreement in Cape Town.

The ACDP played a key role in setting up the City of Cape Town MPG after the municipal election of March 2006, by forming a forum of smaller parties, which then agreed to invite the DA to form the MPG. Similar agreements have existed in other municipalities in the Western Cape but none of these agreements were ever dependant on each other.

In January 2007, the Cape Town MPG’ s slim and fragile majority of 1 seat ended when the African Muslim Party (AMP) was kicked out for plotting with the ANC to overthrow the MPG.

For most onlookers, the announcement regarding the AMP’s leaving and the Independent Democrats (ID) joining shortly thereafter appeared as a mature, seamless transition. But it was the ACDP who, alone, re-secured the future of this government by offering up its most senior seat (Executive Deputy Mayor of Cape Town) in order to draw the ID into the government. This selfless act is yet to be repeated by another party in the government. Had the ACDP not done so, the City government’s vital vision of presenting a successful coalition to all South Africans would have ended there and then.

The ACDP’s sacrifice restored the MPG, brought about a more comfortable majority, and ensured political stability in Cape Town. The DA continually chooses to ignore this.

But in Sept 2007, the then Executive Mayor, Helen Zille, rejected the ACDP’s choice for Deputy Mayor (being Cllr. Haskin), eventually admitting publicly that they wanted the post for themselves. Though the DA eventually capitulated and reluctantly agreed that the ACDP could retain this post, this clearly indicates how desperate they were to obtain this particular post.

The DA finally succeeded in taking this post from the ACDP on 27 May 2009 and publicly admitted once again that they need the post “to be as effective as possible politically”. This proves that their taking the post has nothing to do with their claims and allegations against the ACDP.

The ACDP walks away from governing with the DA in the Western Cape because we are not prepared to be used and discarded by the DA when they no longer need us, this particularly after they needed us in order to begin governing and to achieve the remarkable success in governing.

The ACDP remains committed to the principles, vision and need for multi party governance in South Africa, to participate in such governments and to contribute to their success across South Africa. However, the kind of treatment we have been subjected to by the DA does not bode well for all partner parties, especially given the likelihood of there being no outright winner in the 2011 Local Government Elections in certain municipalities or the 2014 National Elections in certain Provinces.

In conclusion we wish to thank the former Executive Deputy Mayor, Cllr Grant Haskin, for his exemplary track record of hard work, dedication and initiative during his term in office as the Executive Deputy Mayor of Cape Town. Amongst numerous examples, in his term he delivered South Africa's first two municipal outpatient treatment centers for alcohol and drug users (with two more opening this year), South Africa's first municipal 24/7 toll free helpline for alcohol and drug related challenges, and represented not only Host City Cape Town, but indeed South Africa as 2010 Fifa World Cup hosts with excellence, ably presenting the Host City's 2010 progress and readiness to scores of international guests, journalists, Fifa and senior politicians. The ACDP is proud of these achievements which prove that we are ready and able to govern whenever the opportunity presents itself”.

Ends-
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For more information please contact:
Rev KRJ Meshoe, MP and President: 082 962 5884
ACDP Media Liaison: Liziwe Ndalana
Tel: 021 403 3307/ 072 103 8899

UCDP 2009 Elections Manifesto- LAND POLICY

5. LAND POLICY
A UCDP-led government will ensure that:
o The process of restitution will be sped up. There is legitimate need by the poor, labour tenants, farm workers, women and emergent farmers for agricultural and housing land; and
o Orderly and responsible market-led land restitution, including unused state-owned land is allocated to deserving communities.
http://www.ucdp.org.za/default.asp?id=1143

UCDP 2009 Elections Manifesto- HOUSING

4. HOUSING
A UCDP-led government will ensure that:
o Maximum housing value will be extracted from social housing grants
o Good, decent habitable houses will be available for rental purposes
o Corporation rent-to-buy housing developments will be introduced
o The behaviour of unscrupulous landlords will be regulated so that tenants do not pay exorbitant rents
o Serviced sites will be provided to people who enter the housing market and who can afford the cost of a serviced site. This will allow the people to build according to their individual tastes and affordability
o Contractors in the social housing industry will be closely monitored to ensure that people get the best product possible
http://www.ucdp.org.za/default.asp?id=1143

UCDP 2009 Elections Manifesto- TRADE AND INDUSTRY

3. TRADE AND INDUSTRY
A strong and balanced economy
A UCDP-led government will implement policies which will deliver:
o The creation of jobs while promulgating laws that balance the right of the workers and employers
o Lower taxes while increasing the collection thereof
o A free entrepreneurial system
o Stimulation of SMMEs and the provision of government-funded or government-enabled infrastructure and local economic development initiatives. Public-private partnerships are an important means of leveraging private-sector investment into these programs as is the restructuring of State assets;
o Deregulation will be controlled to support the right to unimpeded access to the employment market: to this end we shall ensure that
o Small business is prepared sufficiently to meet the challenges of an internationally competitive economy
o An enabling environment for small enterprises
o A leveled the playing field between big and small businesses, as well as between rural and urban businesses
o The facilitation of greater equalization of income, wealth and earning opportunities
o Advancement of women in all business sectors
o The creation of long term jobs
o Cohesion between small enterprises
o Inducement allowances to foreign investors who will in turn benefit from tax concessions and fair labour laws
o Student bursaries to qualify them for skilled blue collar jobs
http://www.ucdp.org.za/default.asp?id=1143

UCDP 2009 Elections Manifesto- HEALTH

2. HEALTH
A fundamental right
A UCDP-led government will ensure:
o A properly administered health service which will collect revenue and co-ordinate its debts
o The strengthening and decentralization of management which will address issues such as the management of hospital budgets, the attitude of staff towards patients, patient waiting times and dispensary-related problems;
o Properly qualified health workers who are committed and accountable
o Free medication to expectant women and children under six;
o Reopening of closed clinics and ensuring that they remain open for 24 hours daily;
o At least one doctor who will be readily available for a cluster of clinics
2.1. HIV and AIDS
A UCDP-led government will ensure that:
o All HIV and AIDS sufferers and their families are provided with proper care and support;
o Special attention will be given to expectant women in an effort to curb mother-to-child transmission;
o Medication will be delivered to the sick through home-base care initiatives;
o State medical aid will be available to all HIV and AIDS victims;
o Sex education will be included in the education curriculum to promote self-respect, openness and responsibility in the youth. Strong emphasis in all education campaigns will be put on prevention; and
o Accurate statistics those diagnosed with the disease will be released on a regular basis; and
o Those infected and affected be encouraged to break the silence
http://www.ucdp.org.za/default.asp?id=1143

UCDP 2009 Elections Manifesto- EDUCATION

1. EDUCATION
Working together towards educating the nation
A UCDP-led government will ensure:
o Access to education for all and elimination of illiteracy among adults and youths;
o Public schools will not be allowed to suspend learners from classes without good reason nor deny them sporting or social activities or refuse to issue school reports if parents have not paid school fees;
o The enforcement of compulsory education up to Grade 12 or equivalent thereof
o Children who are older than 16 years and have never attended school will be referred to adult education centers;
o Discipline in learning institutions from both educators and learners. Principals will be required to keep registers of schools, class and period (lesson) attendance by both learners and teachers. The performance of teachers will be closely monitored, while malicious and disruptive conduct by learners will be eliminated entirely from our schools and higher education institutions;
o Learning institutions will be free of evils such as substance abuse, sexual abuse, violence and dangerous weapons. The UCDP will ensure the safety of learners, teachers and school property;
o Market-related remuneration for educators
o An improvement in the school nutrition scheme
o No discrimination against learners, students or teachers with HIV and AIDS.
o No teacher or learner will be excluded from attending school or denied or dismissed from a post or class on the basis of their HIV and AIDS status
o There will be no medical testing of teachers and students
o The institutionalization of in-service training to assist teachers on an on-going basis to keep pace with education developments and new techniques in management, financial and professional matters
o Reintroduction of school inspections and class visits
o monitoring what is taking place in the schools and offer professional support on an on-going basis
http://www.ucdp.org.za/default.asp?id=1143

Want I've got is what you see.

It is a struggle to get information on some of the Christian Parties. I have decided that I will not contact any party by phone. My only means of contact will be by e-mail and whatever information I can get from their websites. If you find that your party's views are not reflected in this blogsite it is because there is not enough information on their website and they do not reply on my e-mail requests. I would like to have information on national and all nine provinces, any projects, speeches in parliament or council. The Christian Parties I cover are ACA, ACDP, CDA and UCDP.
I include information from Africa Christian Action and Doctors for Life.
E-Talker
PS. In an effort to get more information on parties I am going to publish their last elections manifesto.

Sandra's Testimony

I consider that through out my life, the Lord has always been my protector and invisible hero.
Sandra's Testimony
My name is Sandra and I live in the Point area, Durban. I consider that through out my life, the Lord has always been my protector and invisible hero, even though I did not realize it until I went for help for the 2nd time on the 13th of July 2006. During my counseling sessions, my counselor asked me to write down all the things I had done wrong in my life. I had written about 7½ pages, when God reminded me of yet even more things. It is just amazing how things add up. But God is good and when he cleanses you, He does a proper job. He reminds us of things that we have forgotten in different ways. It was whilst writing this list was that I realized the Lord Jesus Christ had been walking with me for the past 26 years.
"I had a pretty good childhood. From the time I was 3 months old I was raised by my grandparents and was extremely spoiled. I would sleep on my grandpa's chest. I loved him very much, even more than I loved my own father at that time. By the time I reached standard 2, I was living with my parents again, but my grandfather would visit every week to spend a few days. By the age of 9 I was being molested. I did not understand what was happening to me. I complained to my mother , who did nothing. Then to my grandfather who confronted Jack,*who of course denied everything. My mother was a working woman and had endless problems with my father who was an alcoholic, a womanizer and would often physically abuse my mother." It was not a happy time.
Soon after, my grandfather asked my mom if I could return to live with them in Chatsworth and she agreed. When school started in 1972 I was living with my grandparents and happy. But my grandfather died on the 16th of October 1972 and a part of me died with him. I was the one who found him dead in his bed on a Monday morning at about 6:30. I became a very withdrawn and stubborn person. I kept to myself for over a month, refusing to attend school and unable to communicate. I usually have a friendly spirit and can associate with different types of people. As time passed I hid my sorrow in laughter, smiles, and jokes.
My next scare came at the age of 16. I went to the movies once a week and whilst I was there I met a young girl named Julie* who was my age. We met up a few times and became firm friends. On one occasion, after the movie, she asked me to accompany her to her working place in the Point Harbour. I had never been there before. When we reached our destination I was shocked and confused at the surroundings. I met a few women who shopped at the boutique where I worked and they told me to find a way to get out of the area because it was not a place for any innocent child, but I did not listen.
Julie* at that time was with a man, drinking beer and smoking cigarettes. She later left with him to do business, of a nature which I never understood then. I was left in a taxi waiting for her to return. Whilst I was in the taxi waiting, a few male gang members came to stare and say horrible things to me. So the driver took me away from the car, saying that he was taking me to Julie*, but it turned out to be a lie. He took me to a room and when I realized what was happening, I started crying. I told him that I was a virgin but he didn't care. He laughed at me and told me that there were the other guys waiting for me to be gang raped. I prayed silently in my heart. After he had raped me he allowed no one near me. He thought that I was his prize. A few months later I ran away from home and became a con girl. I was young, pretty, and built for the wandering eye, I attracted many men. It was then I started my life of drugs, prostitution and robbery.
One day a man caught me after I had robbed him and threatened me with a gun and a knife. Scared, I could do nothing but follow him. He took me to an area that is now developed into office buildings, but at that time was just a sugar cane field. I lied that it was the first time I had robbed a person. He raped me then gave me back the money I had taken saying, "Take care of yourself pretty girl". After this incident I was worse than before and started swearing. After six months or so I started smoking dagga from pipes with guys who were friends. I then began smoking cigarettes and drinking and then more sins followed. When I could not steal or fake my tears, I had to grit my teeth and end up sleeping with the men to get the drugs. I hated men and wanted to punish them for the things that had happened to me. Little did I realize then that the hurt was getting worse and that I was ignoring real life. I did try to live right from time to time. But when I was going to church and living a clean life at home, some guy would come along, change the set up of my living situation and I would end up back on the street.
At the age of 17, my first pregnancy miscarried after 5 months. It hurt so much. Thinking and hoping that drugs would numb my brain forever, I again turned to stealing and prostitution to support my ever growing habit. From here my story continues in a destructive downward spiral so common to the ladies of the night. How can you sum up over 20years of hurt, 20years of looking for help in the wrong places, 20years of abusive relationships, and 20 years of living from one hit to the next, 20years of betrayal from those closest to me? In my life there are few actual events I remember; There was the day my daughter Karmen was born and the day 1 smoked R10,000 ($1,700) of rock-cocaine and mandrax with a friend in 4 days. There was the day my mother died and the day I was sent to jail for 6 months. Then there was the day that Petra Luna walked into my life and my life changed for the better.
I met Petra from Life Place, at the corner of Pickering and Mazzeppa Street on the 14th of February 2006. I was honestly really tired as I hadn't slept for the past 4 days. I was looking to see if I could pick up a customer, instead sister Petra picked me out of the darkness. Petra introduced herself to me told me she was from America and that she was working at the coffee shop. She also told me that she loved me and wanted to help me. She said God loved me and had a purpose for me. We went to the coffee shop and she switched on the water to make coffee. She saw that I was falling asleep, so asked me if I wanted to rest. I felt peace in this place. I would never sleep in any place besides my parent's home or my husbands flat. But when she opened a sleeping bag I went to sleep immediately like a baby. Petra woke me 10 minutes before devotion. I spent the whole day with Petra and that night I stayed in the coffee shop because I did not want to go back on the street. The very next day preparations were made for me to go and begin my rehabilitation.
I spent the next 3½ weeks at a mission station receiving extensive psychological and spiritual guidance, but it was not enough for me to completely forget and leave behind my life of drugs and prostitution. Once I was back in Durban, I was again on the street corners selling my body. But God did not forget me. Unbeknown to me Petra was praying and fasting for 21 days on my behalf. As she was praying on the last day, I knocked on the glass door dressed in my husband's shorts and t-shirt asking for clothes. Petra insisted on praying with me and during the prayer I fell down on the ground and surrendered my life to Christ. After spending another month at the mission, I returned to Durban and immediately began volunteering at the DFL Life Place centre, trying to help others who are in the same situation I was. I now receive a small salary for my work.
In my past I have been a drug addict. I’ve smoked cigarettes, dagga (cannabis), ashes, mandrax, crack, and tried sniffing cocaine. I even popped vespray, roche, and ecstasy. Anything you name it, I would have tried it. My regret is that I never understood that God loved me. I never understood that He suffered abuse, was tortured, humiliated and then died a sinful death, all for my sake. There were times I was fed up with my life and the mess I'd made of it. My mind used to have battles of its own. At these lonely times I felt as if someone was following me or walking behind me. I now understand that God was beside me. He never left me. I am blessed now to have a relationship with my heavenly Father and to be so loved. He has washed me white as snow and given me the blessed chance of going to eternity in heaven. I have stopped smoking cigarettes, taking drugs, prostituting myself and stealing. My heart fully belongs to God. I am his servant and he has big plans for me. I know He's got a purpose for my life and I will not let anything drive me into the hands of the devil again.
I've hurt so many people in my life. I was unable to talk to my mother before it was too late. To tell her that I was sorry for the pain, worry and sleepless nights I put her through. I hurt my one and only child so badly. She won't even hug me or even speak to me much; I have myself to blame. She is now in college and working part time on the weekends and holidays to pay for her studies. While I was taking drugs and prostituting myself, I missed so much of her growing up. My most important prayer now is to make my relationship with God solid. A Solid rock, not sinking ground. I would also like to share this new found relationship with my daughter so we can stand together before the throne of grace when the time comes.
My life has completely changed around, and although it is not always an easy road, I persevere and find my strength in God. I am surrounded by caring and Christian friends. I am continuously growing spiritually. I have been instrumental in leading others to Christ through my testimony."
This testimony has been written by Sandra herself, the details of which are obviously specific to her life. But unfortunately there is nothing unique about this self-perpetuating cycle of broken homes, sexual abuse, rape, depression, drugs, financial constraints, abusive relationships, and prostitution. If a loving and Christian support network had been present to help Sandra properly cope with the initial trauma of trauma of sexual molestation as a young child, her life story would read much differently. Many times all a girl needs is just one friend to reach out and hold their hand and offer the simple gift of a listening ear and empathetic heart. Someone that can give them a shoulder to cry on while directing them to the One that will never fail them, judge them, or turn a blind eye against them. Sandra found hope in Jesus through the DFL Life Place Centre. Please support this ministry so that we can help many more men, women and children like Sandra.
*Please note that the names have been changed to protect the identity of those involved.
http://www.doctorsforlifeinternational.com/programs/lifeplace/theirstories/sandras_testimony.cfm

In Search of Love

After about three weeks at Life Place, I had a complete different perspective on life. I realized that I took for granted, even the minutest of blessings, in my life. I never knew it was such a joy to walk on some of Durban’s most dangerous streets till the early hours of the morning, telling lost souls about Jesus. I never seemed to grasp how many girls were out there, prostituting their bodies, as a means of survival, desperately in need of something as small as a hug. Giving these girls a gentle squeeze as a gesture of love made them feel, what could be the first time in their life, like a princess. Not knowing what true and genuine love means, they plunge themselves deeper into their destructive pit in search of the treasure they long to experience, but never find.
Through many sessions of counseling and prayer, we came to sense God’s spirit of healing moving through the people that we ministered to. God’s grace presented itself among them and convicted them of their sin. Their eyes welled up with tears as we shared with them the unmistakable promise of hope that will never fade even through generations to come.
With the firm stand of support from my colleagues, we were able, by the Lord’s help alone, to implant a small seed into their lives. I strongly believe that Jesus would’ve still died, even if it were for only one. We are now lifting up our prayers for the germination of the words we’ve sown.
With coloured lights flashing angrily at us from across every street, we surged forward like soldiers in a deadly battle. The sensation all around us was that of evil spirits and demons sneering with malice, trying by all might to overpower the great commission with which God had sent us. The heavy suppression of darkness seemed at times like a massive stumbling block. A cursed and nauseating stench like that of drugs and urine mixed together followed us around every corner.
And yet, at the end of every dark tunnel, there is new light, new conversations, new meetings and greetings, new hope. Relief dawned on people’s faces. It strikingly occurred to me that every single lost soul out there is a candidate for heaven. God came down with victory, loaded our armor and strengthened us, destroying every principality from hell. We walked to every sinner, being redeemed sinners ourselves, with boldness. We lost all fear, and covered ourselves with the fear of the Lord.
All in all, we bow down, in praise, unworthy of His gracious love that enfolded us at all times. I beg of every reader to earnestly pray for this ministry. Pray that God will bring the project to completion, as we are still in need of a rehabilitation centre. But I have no doubt, that as long as we live and have faith in Him, in fulfilling the Great Commission, He will continue to help us bring lost sheep back to the fold.
Our Great Saviour is calling us to a Harvest that is ripe; He is asking us to be co-workers in His almighty plan. It’s a privilege to be there on the streets in the midst of lost souls and witnessing Our Redeemer at work. I welcome you the in name of Jesus to come and just be the instrument God uses for His work to those who are heading for the pit of Hell.
Salomé du Toit

http://www.doctorsforlifeinternational.com/about/media/releases/news/2007/feb/3weeks_at_lp.cfm

THE OUTREACHES

The main emphasis of Life Place to reach out to the men and women that are lost in the world of prostitution. Many have come from an abusive background or found themselves in this situation due to untenable circumstances. The goal is to help them leave behind that life by giving them hope in the form of Jesus Christ and an alternative way to make a living.
Day and night members of the team at Life Place walk the streets of the Point area in Durban. The team goes into the bars and into the Escort agencies talking to the prostitutes, pimps and their customers. They speak to those that they meet about the love of Jesus and offer them help to leave behind the life that they have been living.
Life Place operates as a coffee shop, which enables all those that the team has met on the streets and any passers by to walk in. They can come in to receive free counseling or just to have a meal. The coffee shop also runs a free HIV counseling and testing clinic once a week on a Saturday.
The men, women and children ( yes children we have found girls as young as 9 working as prostitutes) that come to Life Place receive Godly counsel and if they are ready and willing they are sent to a residential place of help. Here they receive further intensive counseling and spiritual strengthening. At the end of this time they are enrolled in a skills training program of their choice or if they are children they return home to their families or another suitable place of safety. Those that are given skills training study a variety of subjects from Baking to Computing. After this many go on to become productive members of the society. Often they come back to assist in the ministry. Over 200 people that we are aware of have been helped through this ministry. There are many more that give their hearts to Christ on the street and go away to allow the Lord to work in their hearts without us ever knowing.
http://www.doctorsforlifeinternational.com/programs/lifeplace/outreaches.cfm

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 4

DAY 4 Pray the Blessing: Isaiah 53:2-5 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our grieves and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that Jesus Christ heals the sick today through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matt 10:8; James 5:14).
Pray on foot: Visit a hospital and pray for those who are sick with the faith that God can heal them.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 3

DAY 3 Pray the Blessing: Luke 7:22-23 And he [Jesus] answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that Jesus Christ shows no partiality to anyone and that he regards all people as equal before him, irrespective of race, status or caste (James 2:1-8).
Pray on foot: Pray for the outcasts in your community, e.g. at the squatter camps, for the untouchables, for those in an asylum, and demonstrate the love of God practically to them.

REPLY TO THE PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS

African Christian Democratic Party
REPLY TO THE PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS
4TH PARLIAMENTARY TERM
Speech by ACDP President, Rev. Kenneth Meshoe MP
4 June 2009
"The ACDP welcomes President Zuma’s state of the nation address which we believe was positive, daring and instilled hope in many of our people. We further welcome his acknowledgment that our country has entered a recession and his intention to have government act speedily to minimize the impact of this economic downturn on those most vulnerable – particularly by protecting jobs.
When highlighting some of the steps that will be taken by government in response to the economic crisis, the President left us with questions that need answers and statements that should be clarified.
As an example, the President said, and I quote, “workers who would ordinarily be facing retrenchment due to economic difficulty would be kept in employment, for a period of time and be re-skilled,” close quote. While acknowledging that the President did say that discussion on the practical detail is continuing, the ACDP wants to know whether all workers in all sectors, including mining, will benefit from such an arrangement and whether the re-skilling he spoke about will also benefit those doing low paying jobs such as cleaners and domestic workers?
We also want to know whether there are sufficient funds to help all companies that are in distress. What will the criteria be for funding a company in distress, and whether small businesses will also benefit from such a programme?
The ACDP also welcomes plans to reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses which will reduce the cost of doing business in South Africa. This we believe will help to attract new investment opportunities that are urgently needed during recession.
The President also said, and I quote, “we are mindful of the need to link social grants to jobs or economic activity in order to encourage self-reliance among the able-bodied,” close quote. The ACDP believes this link is important as it will prevent our country from turning into a welfare state that robs people of initiative, dignity and independence. What we want to know is when this need to link social grants to jobs or economic activity will become government policy, by when will it be implemented and whether government has the capacity to make it a success?
We commend the President for admitting that the quality of health care is deteriorating very fast. We were unfortunately not told what this administration is going to do about it. We trust that government will move from the position of just being concerned, to actively reversing the deterioration. Our people who have been promised a better life deserve quality and professional health care and they deserve to be treated with compassion and respect.
Mr President, the treatment given to some patients, particularly the elderly, is appalling and is nothing but abuse. This practice has to stop and the elderly must be given back their dignity and the respect they deserve. There was a shocking story on the front page of the Pretoria News which told of a helpless patient who described the ordeal he allegedly suffered at the hands of Steve Biko Academic hospital nursing staff as “hell on Earth”. How can nursing staff be allowed to get away with letting a patient lie in his own faeces for almost three days? If the President has not heard about this shocking abuse, he must please get a copy of the relevant article and read first-hand the dire extent of the deterioration of service in public hospitals. The ACDP believes that the culture of proper caring, compassion, respect for the rights of patients and love for those suffering must be restored in our hospitals and clinics.
While we understand that our health workers are underpaid, overworked and under a lot of pressure, we find it totally unacceptable that a patient who is crying in pain and in need of help and pain-killers should be told by nurses that they are on their tea break or having lunch. Where is ubuntu in all this? Urgent attention must be given to the bad attitude and work ethic of some of our health workers.
Having said the above, the ACDP believes doctors and nurses should be paid well, to minimize poaching that is taking place and to ensure that we do not lose more doctors. We believe the salary demands made by doctors are not unreasonable and that the occupational specific dispensation should be finalised as soon as possible. Mr President, pay our doctors well. We need them and do not want to lose them to the private sector or to countries that will show them more appreciation.
As far as crime is concerned the ACDP believes that police powers must be revisited and more teeth must be given to law enforcement officers. We have been assured many times before that particular attention will be given to combating the theft of police case dockets, but it is still happening. Is there anything new that this administration intends to introduce to stop the theft of case dockets?
Mr President, the Forensic Procedures Amendment Bill was not finalized by the 3rd Parliament notwithstanding it being referred to an ad hoc parliamentary committee for urgent attention earlier this year.
It is disgraceful that the SA Police do not have access to fingerprints contained on the databases of Home Affairs (containing 31 million prints), and that of the Transport (containing a further 6 million prints). It is no wonder that so many offenders are not apprehended.
The bill also sought to enhance DNA profiling. It is irrefutable that the effective use of fingerprints and DNA evidence helps track down criminals, and once apprehended, ensures that the prosecution’s case succeeds in court.
The Honorable minister of police said that this bill would be finalized within a year. We trust that it will be done as a matter of urgency sooner rather than later
It is not enough to merely say that the most serious attention will be given to combating organized crime as well as crimes against women and children. Has this not all been said before? Reported stories about sexual abuse of boys are worrying. According to reports, Kidz Clinics around the country are struggling to cope with the huge increase in the sexual abuse of boys, some as young as 3 years old. Mr President, government is failing our children. Not a single day passes without one hearing about a child who has been raped, and many of these incidents are not reported to the police.
The ACDP has been saying for years now that pornography is harmful and should be removed from street corners and shops. Those who defend pornography still claim that there is no scientific proof linking pornography to rape. Mr President, I trust that you will agree with me when I say that ‘pornography is the theory and rape is the act’. What other conclusion could there be to explain how a baby of just a few months old could be raped by an adult, or how a 65 year old grandmother was raped by a 16 year old boy, as happened in Mthata this past weekend? I urge you Mr President to ‘bite the bullet’ and declare that pornography is dangerous, harmful and addictive, and its easy availability has contributed immensely to the unacceptably high incidence of rape in this country.
Please could you tell us how your administration intends to protect our children and babies from the scourge of rape? Let us not only talk about loving our children, but let us go, if necessary, even to what some might call extreme measures, to protect our children. Mr President, I’m appealing to you today to do something to protect our children. Please don’t say you have no control over what happens in private homes. It is what has come in from the outside that has put the lives of our children in danger and your government can and must surely do something about it.
The President promised to reduce serious and violent crimes by the set target of 7% to 10% per annum. The ACDP would like to know how this will be achieved and how this will relate to the low conviction rate of serious offences, particularly rape cases?
The President also shared his concerns about reports of teachers who sexually harass and abuse children, particularly girls. Threats of taking very serious and very decisive action against teachers who enter into sexual relationships with children have been made before, but not much has happened to stop it. How does government intend to bring a stop to this unacceptable abuse? The ACDP believes part of the solution is to expel teachers who enter into a sexual relationship with children, and to bar them from teaching in any of our schools for a certain period of time, until they have been properly rehabilitated.
Finally, Mr President, the ACDP welcomes and supports an international campaign initiated by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to celebrate ‘Mandela Day’. We will support the call by the President “to spend at least 67 minutes of our time doing something useful, especially among the less fortunate”. Among other things, old age homes should be visited to give back a smile to many grandparents who have been abandoned by their own families. The ACDP believes that even though it may only be once a year, cultivating the good habit of caring is a positive investment in our society and will help channel the energy of young people towards doing something constructive in schools and communities".
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Rev KRJ Meshoe, ACDP President, MP: 082 962 5884
ACDP Media Liaison: Liziwe Ndalana
Tel: 021 403 3307/ 072 103 8899
This release is sent from a ‘sending only’ e-mail address. To subscribe or unsubscribe please communicate with lndalana@parliament.gov.za

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 2

DAY 2 Pray the Blessing: Gen 1:27-28 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth."
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that God made mankind in His image and His likeness to have dominion over all the earth (Gen 1:26)
Pray on foot: Pray at the new-natal ward at your local hospital for the new-born babies.

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3) DAY 1

90-DAY PRAYER GUIDE (30 Days x3)

PRAY AT SIGNIFICANT AND NEGLECTED PLACES

DAY 1 Pray the Blessing: Gen 1:9-12 And God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear." And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. And God said, "Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth." And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
Declare your faith: I believe and confess that the Triune God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – is the Creator of Heaven and Earth, and of all created things. I believe that He is upholding all things with the power of his hand (Acts 17:24; Heb 1:3)
Pray on foot: Pray at the dirtiest place in your community or city, e.g. the garbage dump and demonstrate your care for creation by picking up the garbage in your own street.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

“I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before Me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it…” Ezekiel 22:30
The battle for the family is intensifying. It is a battle for hearts, minds and souls. It is a spiritual battle that will determine the shape and direction of schools, society and young lives.
As Christians, we are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). We need to shine the light of Scripture on the darkness and decay in our society, and work to rebuild the moral, pro-life and pro-family foundations and principles in every area of life. We need to love our neighbour as ourselves, we need to combat the pornography plague and counteract the curse of compromise and cowardice. We need to fight for the Faith and for the freedom to study God’s Word in our schools.
Our Lord Jesus taught us that we “should always pray and not give up.” In the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus taught us that even an unjust judge will give in and do what is right in response to persistent prayer and pressure (Luke 18:1-8).
One person can make a difference. You can start an action group.
In the Bible, in the Book of Nehemiah, we see principles for grassroots action.
INFORMATION
“My people perish for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6. We must be informed. It is when we are informed that we can be inspired to prayer and action. The Christian Action magazine, website and E-updates seek to provide the spiritual ammunition that you need to be effective in the fight for the right to life of pre-born babies, the war against pornography, and the battle for the family.
INVOLVEMENT
“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and raise up the age old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets With Dwellings.” Isaiah 58:12
Nehemiah researched amongst the rubble and developed a plan to motivate and mobilize the community to rebuild their portion of the wall. Yet, while each group of families had their own part of the wall to work on, they were united in the common goal. They “worked with all their hearts” together to achieve the main goal to rebuild the wall. And when Nehemiah sounded the trumpet, all rallied to that part of the wall that was under attack for the common defense.
Our trumpets in this Operation Nehemiah include the Christian Action magazine, the www.christianaction.org.za website and the ACA E-mail list.
INTERCESSION
“Then Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1. We are either praying or we have given up. If we have given up, it is probably because we neglected to pray. We need to be informed, we need to be involved and we need to be interceding. Prayer is our foundation for action.
Together we can transform our communities by changing lives.
“Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrance she cries aloud.” Prov 8:1-3
To be informed and involved obtain the Christian Action Starter Pack, Make a Difference - a Christian Action Handbook for Southern Africa or Christian Action Audio CD Boxset from Christian Liberty Books: admin@christianlibertybooks.co.za, tel/fax: 021 - 689 7478.
Further Reading:
Operation Nehemiah
How to Start an Action Group
Past editions of Christian Action magazine
Pro-life Resources
Africa Christian Action
PO Box 23632
Claremont
7735
Cape Town
South Africa
Tel: 021-689 4481
E-mail: info@christianaction.org.za
Web: www.christianaction.org.za

Finding the ‘Lost’

If I should ever try to find a good description for the word ‘lost’, it’d be rather hard. Compared to intriguing words which often sound new to the ear, this one is often passed by, or pushed to the back due to ‘commonness’.
Everyone knows the meaning of the word; it is self-explanatory and does not need any further elaboration.
And yet, it’s still part of the millions of words in the dictionary. It has the same status as any other word.
What if God could be compared to a dictionary, and we were all words that express who we are and what we do, what status would the lost have?
And how can it be that the word ‘lost’ always seems to be lost when it comes down to our God-given responsibility – preaching the Gospel to the – lost?
In the last few years, I’ve had the honour of doing some hands-on ministry work, mingled with the work that I do.
One of the projects that our organization runs is Lifeplace, which is a safe haven for destitute women who have been enslaved in the claws of drugs and prostitution.
Walking down the dark ally ways, choking away the puffs of smoke and the stench of drugs and urine thrown in your face, I see a woman. Her beauty, unbeknownst to her gets ruined by the minute. Who will tell her that there IS a man who loves her, with a love that cannot be compared to any earthly lover? At what point does her beauty turn to ashes and our conscience seared? At what point will we take an active step of faith, and risk our safety, our pride and the possibility of being slapped in the face, just to tell her how beautiful she really is?
At what point in time, do we classify her as simply lost, or one of the beloved lost?
In a recent outreach, I spotted a young girl, surrounded by two men, sitting on the pavement wall. Our group members started conversing with the men, upon which the one left. The other, stubbornly debated his strong Christian faith with us whilst blowing breaths of alcoholic contamination on us.
Then I saw the girl. Lost and afraid. She glanced around fearfully, bracing herself against a possible next blow. A stir in my heart made me move towards her, and I sat next to her and embraced her with my arms.
I started speaking words of hope to her. I told her how beautiful she is, and she’s wasting her life here on the streets. I told her she can end this, there’s no need to wake up tomorrow, wondering how she will make ends meet. There is someone who loves her, and until she realizes that, she will not be fulfilled seeking the pleasure of men.
Tears of hurt ran down her cheeks while she covered her mouth in an attempt to whisper to me so as not to let the man hear. With my ear close to her lips, she opened up her pain. She shared with me how he abuses her, and showed me the scars on her face, her handbag still stained with fresh blood.
She snuggled her head up in my neck, probably the only warmth and love she’s ever felt in a long time. I told her that I’ll come for her, and her eyes lightened up with hope. She begged me not to let her down, and I promised I wouldn’t.

http://www.doctorsforlifeinternational.com/programs/lifeplace/

Prostitution

Prostitution is not a job which anyone deserves. Despite what many may tell you, it is not a job regardless of the physical location in which it occurs (street, brothel, massage parlor, car, private home, strip club, restaurant etc). Prostitution is inherently harmful to all those that cross its path, from the individual that is engaging in the act to the society as a whole.
Those involved in Prostitution are mostly recruited from the section of society that have suffered the most setbacks in life, including being deprived of their self-respect at an early age. Many are victims of sexual abuse in their family home or rape. To be able to cope with the memories of their past hurts and the harsh work they are involved in, many turn to alcohol and drugs.
The prostitute often ends up penniless, alone and either dead in a gutter from violent crime or in a hovel laying in a bed dying of an AIDS related illness. This is unless they get the help the need before it is too late. Life Place is about giving those that are trapped in the world of prostitution a lifeline to leave the business and at all it entails behind. This website will tell you all you need to know about prostitution, its harmful effects and what Doctors For Life has been doing to eradicate this practice. As well as what you can do to help us in our fight to save the men, women and children involved in prostitution.
If you are involved in any form of prostitution or know someone who is involved in prostitution, please let us help you.
Telephone: +27 (0) 73 22 49 221
Email: assistance@doctorsforlifeinternational.com
http://www.doctorsforlifeinternational.com/programs/lifeplace/

Abortion

USA - Abortion Drug Fails 23 Percent of the Time
Abortion advocates have promoted the dangerous abortion drug RU 486 (mifepristone) by saying it can cause an abortion without women having to have a surgical abortion. However, a new study shows the abortion drug fails anywhere from 16-23 percent of the time. When the mifepristone abortion drug fails, a follow-up surgical abortion is necessary because an incomplete abortion can result in major medical problems, including death. Melissa Strafford of the Boston Medical Center presented the results of her study at the recent American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists annual meeting. The abortion drug failed to complete the abortion in 23 percent of the women getting the two drugs simultaneously and failed to finish the abortion process for 16 percent of the women getting the drugs 48 hours apart. For Dr. Randy O'Bannon, the director of research and education for National Right to Life, the failure rates and need for surgical abortions present bigger problems for women. "Those who have developed and promoted RU 486 have told women that the abortifacient offers them a way to have an abortion without the risk of surgery," he told LifeNews.com. "Attempts to make the process more convenient for women, for the clinics, may help the industry attract more customers, but as this latest study shows, it exposes women to additional risks."
http://www.lifenews.com/nat5034.htm
http://www.doctorsforlifeinternational.com/members/lifealerts.cfm

Act against the legalizing of prostitution now South African Christians

I cannot believe that we can be that passive when issues that threatens to break up firstly our Christian values and secondly our family values. We have got the mandate from the Highest Office and yet we prefer to keep quiet.
Legalizing and or decriminalizing prostitution will indeed bring this country morally on its knees. Who will suffer the most?
Do we even care about our children, women (willing and unwilling) or teenagers? We as husbands, fathers, mothers, elder brothers and elder sisters have got a duty to protect our family members, friends, friends’ children and our neighbours.
God commands us to love our neighbour as we love ourselves.
Please do not make the mistake of thinking your family will never be touched by decriminalizing or legalizing prostitution. It is time that we stand up and be counted. A time to come together as One Voice; not our voices, but His.
Let us start to organize in our areas (not just your church because that will exclude other Christians and non-christians in your area attending) and plan prayer sessions, signing of memoranda, etc. You can use this blog-post as your discussions board (under comments) or you can email me a theme for your area and I will publish it as a post, which you can use as an information board for your area.
etalker.sd@gmail.com

There is a lot of information available on this blog-site which you can use in your discussions and planning.

Prostitution policy must target clients

May 22, 2009 Edition 1
Errol Naidoo
The South African Law Reform Commission recently released a discussion paper on Adult Prostitution for public comment. Options put forward for comment include maintaining the status quo; partial decriminalization, full decriminalization and legalization.
Women and girls (and some boys) caught up in prostitution are harmed not only by the prostitution itself but also by pimps, boyfriends, brothel keepers, traffickers and clients. Essentially, prostitution is nothing more than the exploitation by those with greater social and economic power of those who are made vulnerable by poverty, inequality, violence and abuse.
Prostitution is not work in any conventional sense of the word. Few people make a rational decision to enter into prostitution as a career choice; it is generally a survival strategy. The average age of those entering prostitution is estimated to be about 14 internationally.
Over the last decade in South Africa various groups have lobbied for decriminalization/ legalization of prostitution and the construction of prostitution as work.
Implicit in this view is the assumption that a regulated or decriminalized industry will contain the growth of the brothel and street trade, eliminate organized crime and end child prostitution and sex trafficking.
International experience has shown that in countries such as Australia and the Netherlands, where this policy was adopted, the opposite has proved to be the case.
These nations have all experienced a significant increase in legal and illegal prostitution, child prostitution and trafficking in persons for sexual purposes.
The mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen, admitted that the policy of legalization has been a failure and has instituted a reversal.
He conceded that organized crime dominated the industry in which sex trafficking, exploitation, drug abuse and money laundering was rife. One third of the brothel windows have been bought out and replaced with fashion boutiques and there are plans afoot to replace a majority of the remaining windows.
Rafts of new restrictions on other aspects of the sex trade are also being introduced. Permits have also been withdrawn from dozens of sex businesses.
Tolerance zones set up for street prostitution have also proved a failure. In 2003 the central-Amsterdam Tipplezone (pick-up area) established in 1995 for street prostitutes and promoted as a way to control the problems associated with prostitution was closed.
The mayor admitted that it became a haven for traffickers, drug dealers and that it was unsafe for women. The Tipplezone in Rotterdam was closed for similar reasons.
In Australia both the policy of legalization (Victoria) and decriminalization (NSW) of the sex trade have been adopted.
The results have been the same: a significant increase in all facets of the sex industry.
Legal brothels, child prostitution and trafficking have all increased and authorities concede that the illegal sex trade is out of control.
The Sydney Morning Herald (Dec 2006) reported that almost four times the number of illegal, compared to legal sex premises, were operating in Sydney alone. top.DisplayAds('SquareL', 13, 3131); window.google_render_ad();
Prostitution was decriminalized in New Zealand in 2003.
The National Council of Women of New Zealand, which originally supported the decriminalization of prostitution, is now of the view that the only winners from the 2003 Prostitution Reform Act are males.
It is clearly not advisable for South Africa to emulate any of the above examples.
Instead the nation should follow the Swedish example in which prostitution is regarded as gender-based violence and a zero-tolerance approach is taken against buyers, procurers and traffickers.
In 1999, at approximately the same time the Netherlands opted for legalization, Sweden introduced a policy of abolition with the focus on clamping down on the demand and helping women to exit prostitution.
The purchase and attempted purchase of sexual services was criminalized for the first time. Street prostitution was reduced and more importantly a barrier was erected against trafficking.
Then there is the harm to women themselves.
In a study, Prostitution in Five Countries: Violence and Post-traumatic Stress (including South Africa) by Farley et al, 67 percent met the criteria for a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
She also noted that "over time, the constant violence of prostitution, constant humiliation and the social indignity and misogyny, result in personality changes".
Sexually transmitted infections are also unavoidable in prostitution and so-called enforceable condom policies aren't effective.
There are long and established links between organized crime, prostitution and trafficking.
In South Africa, in addition to local criminal groups, foreign organized criminal groups from Russia, Bulgaria, Thailand, China and Nigeria are already established in the local sex industry.
South Africa has high unemployment, extreme economic disparities, porous borders, pervasive corruption in all sectors of society and extremely high levels of rape, violence and abuse of women and children.
It is therefore inconceivable that policies of legalization/ decriminalization that have proved to be failures in better resourced countries will work for South Africa.
The most effective policy approach would be one that focuses on targeting the demand side of prostitution including clients, pimps, procurers and traffickers and for government, in partnership with churches and responsible NGOs, to develop sustainable exit programs to end the sexual servitude of our women and children.
Errol Naidoo is the president of the Family Policy Institute

STOP THE KNYSNA PINK LOERIE FESTIVAL

The Pink Loerie Homosexual Festival is nothing more than a celebration of sexual debauchery, obscenity and drunkenness. Public indecency including excessive public consumption of alcohol, standing atop moving vehicles and children being exposed to hard-core sexually explicit images are all ignored by authorities.

In fact, children as young as five have been roped into the festival which included near naked homosexual participants, obscene and indecent slogans and simulated homosexual sex acts in full view of families with children. Elements of this parade are in direct conflict with the Sexual Offences Amendment Act.

Most of the festival participants are from outside of Knysna which in effect, is a violation of the rights of Knysna residents to determine the nature and quality of events hosted in their town. Help us stand behind the rights of decent family valued citizens!

In May 2008 Pastor Jerome Nel of the Garden Route Christian Centre led the battle against this perverse event and the townsfolk came out in overwhelming opposition to hosting it. However, the valid concerns of Christian residents and other townsfolk were flatly ignored by the Knysna Municipality and the festival went ahead. You can contact him to offer support on info@godis.co.za

A public perception survey was begun by the municipality but quickly withdrawn without warning as a result of intense pressure from homosexual activists thereby preventing the majority of Knysna residents an opportunity to express their democratic view.

To help you are asked to :
1) Sign the online petitions by clicking here
2) Show the ANC and DA that they will not carry your support this election by voting according to your beliefs and principles
3) Express your concerns by writing to the following public servants requesting they take seriously the valid concerns and moral views of all their residents including Christians.
Knysna Mayor Eleanor Bouw-Spies Tel Number: 044 302-65343 Fax Number: 086 658 9658 Email Address: ebouw@knysna.gov.za
Knysna Tourism CEO Shaun van Eck Tel no. 044 3825510 Fax no. 044 3821646 Email ceo@knysna-info.co.za

http://www.cda.org.za/projects.html

WOMEN OF VALOUR OUR VISION

As Women and citizens of this great country, to continue our legacy of being the rock upon which others stand, to successfully and Biblically, transform our nation into a Christian thinking, Acting and Voting nation.

Merging all communities, regardless of colour, financial status, denomination or creed, into a single minded, economically vibrant, spiritually mature and empowered unit, from which a light can shine forth to the nations.

To create a nation that has unity in faith, in vision and action, with a faith that is real and practical, a vision that is Spirit led and Action that is Biblically grounded and purposed to God's will, which we acknowledge to include Biblical governance.


SOME OF OUR KEY GOALS

• Tougher penalties for violent crimes against women
• Recognition of the contribution stay-at-home mothers make to society and to provide necessary tax rebates
• Equal pension and other benefits to women
• Adequate child care and youth centers to assist working mothers
• Increased education and training to women in rural areas
• Subsidies to families who undertake home schooling
• Establishment of funding and training centers that focus purely on women entrepreneurs
• Removal of pornography and its degradation of women, from society

If you would like to become part of our Women's Movement and play a very real part in transforming our nation then why not join us today then please Email Fozia Hoosain here



GREAT NEWS!

We will soon have a dedicated site for Women of Valour.
Please give your input on what you would want to see on the site by clicking Feedback above.

http://www.cda.org.za/women.html

Switzerland - Study from the Federal Office of Public Health Reveals Impact of Homosexual Lifestyle

Though LGBT people may shine during their parades in the most beautiful colors, they cannot deny the scientifically researched facts that expose the crises and pains of their lifestyle. A study that was conducted by the Federal Office of Public Health amongst about 600 homosexual men showed the following figures:
70% of homosexuals can not really accept their sexual orientation.
63% say they are suffering from loneliness (total Swiss population: 37%)
41% suffered during the last 12 months from depression lasting several weeks
22% considered suicide during their depression
19% had already tried to commit suicide (average of all Swiss men: 3%)
Homosexual men on average use far more drugs than the average Swiss male population.
http://www.familienlobby.ch/10743/index.html

http://www.doctorsforlifeinternational.com/members/lifealerts.cfm

CP- CRIME POLICY

Crime is the single biggest issue threatening South Africa’s democracy today. It reaches out over economic, race and cultural barriers with impunity and the cost to our nation and its economy is devastating.
The Holy Bible gives us a very clear answer to the question of why crime is:
Ecclesiastes 8:11 “Why do people commit crime so readily? Because crime is not punished quickly enough.”
We believe that the solution lies in a principled approach where all the different role-players act in unison with only one vision: all crime must be punished as quickly and efficiently as possible to act as deterrent to perpetrators.
We must become a society that condemns and punishes all antisocial behaviour in the shortest time possible. Government and the criminal justice system have allowed a situation to develop where the rights of the criminal weighs heavier than that of the victim. This must be reversed if we want to win the war for the “soul of the South African society.”
Our approach would rest on the following pillars:
• changing the moral fiber of our society.
• Restoring trust in the police and the criminal justice system.
• Role of the government.
• Capital punishment.
• Restitution.
• Correctional services.

We suggest a holistic approach where all role players in society will work together to create a society that obeys God and His laws. Government will be respected and its laws obeyed, there will be respect for all fellow South Africans.
The process will start in the home and schools where parents, teachers and churches will play an active role in changing attitudes and cultivate respect for authority. All children should learn to respect human dignity and the right to life from a tender age.
We will start by taking our schools, neighbourhoods and towns back and bring them under the control of the community. The “Broken Window” theory that was used with great success in New York will serve as a guide to restore authority and dignity in our country.

The “Broken Window” theory aptly fits the South African crime scenario and indicates that run down communities are more susceptible to crime because they are neglected by everybody. Communities must take back what belongs to them and mend that which is broken. We must ensure oversight over all the role-players in the crime fighting sector to rectify all that has failed.
Corruption, laziness and sub-standard performance and work ethics by teachers, municipal officials and civil servants must be rooted out at all costs. The citizens of this country have a right to demand top performance from all state departments and offices. Local governments should be required to ensure that all bylaws are enforced and adhered to. There must be a zero tolerance approach to any officials found negligent in this regard. Strict adherence to rules and regulations in all our communities will form the foundation of a crime free society.
All illegal shebeens and taverns in neighbourhoods should be shut down and operators prosecuted. No loiterers, vagrants or prostitutes should be allowed to stand on street corners, particularly in close proximity of schools. Schools should employ very strict rules on behaviour, discipline, weapons, drugs, alcohol and smoking. Random searches at schools should take place weekly! No public place should be allowed to serve alcohol to persons under the age of 21.
Additionally, trust and confidence in the SAPS and the criminal justice system needs to be restored! Many surveys have clearly indicated there many citizens believe that the SAPS and the criminal justice system are unable to effectively arrest, prosecute and punish criminals. The majority of SAPS members are considered corrupt. South Africans have lost all faith in the system. Subsequently, criminals know that they face little, if any, conflict from authorities and go about their horrific business with impunity. Where justice is not seen to be done, anarchy soon follows. The breakdown trust between civil society and the law enforcement agencies is a massive obstacle in the fight against crime.
We should start our spring cleaning campaign with an audit of the criminal records all SAPS members. All found guilty of offences shall have to find employment elsewhere. The current labour laws which allow policemen accused of criminal activity to remain on active duty must be scrapped with all due haste. Any SAPS member that is charged for a criminal offence must immediately be suspended and terminated after a departmental hearing. Any high ranking officer’s contract must immediately be terminated. (Jackie Selebi’s extension of his contract stands in stark contrast.) South African taxpayers should not be expected to foot the bills of corrupt police officers accused of criminal behaviour! They must pay their own legal fees. A system where the public can recall any senior police officer should be implemented immediately.
Concurrently, a complete an audit of SAPS resources and skills must be undertaken. Those employees without the required qualifications and skills must be trained, demoted or retrenched if they do not meet the required standards. This is vital to ensure that all positions are filled with the necessary qualified, trained and dedicated officers to ensure that the SAPS will achieve the vision that all crime must be punished as quickly and as effectively as possible.
Universities and institutes could assist in researching and developing a best practice model for a police force for South Africa. This would include organizational design and resource models needed to combat crime in the most efficient way. Specialized units with specific skills and functions should also be addressed in this model.
The research should highlight all reforms required to align our criminal justice system with the vision of punishing crime in a fast and efficient manner. This should naturally include court management and procedures, prosecution of criminals, special units, training and development and implementation and monitoring of all aforementioned areas.
We should take a hard-line approach in restoring faith in our policing, legal and criminal justice systems. Government’s role should be to ensure that the necessary fiscal and legislative policies are in place to bring about the reforms required. The primary objective is to ensure that law abiding citizens are protected and that criminals are punished. Our current government fails to fulfill this duty.
Capital punishment for certain crimes with the provision of an automatic right of appeal against the conviction and sentence must be reintroduced. Capital punishment is necessary for justice, for the rule of law and for the protection of the innocent. Currently the perpetrators of violence enjoy more rights than that of the law abiding citizens. Any offence committed that carries the possibility of the death penalty should be regarded as the voluntary waiving of the perpetrators right to life, and is therefore, not against the Bill of Rights.
Additionally, restorative justice should be incorporated into our judicial system to force the state to compensate victims. This would ensure that Correctional Services facilities are not deemed to be institutes of higher learning for criminals. Currently, victims of crime are taxed to fund our prisons that provide food, accommodation and entertainment to criminals at a level that the victims themselves don’t often enjoy! We believe that victims and their relatives must be compensated by the criminals for their losses. Victim empowerment should enjoy high priority and criminals should be taxed in Rand and cents for their crimes. Repeat offenders must complete the balance of sentences before commencing subsequent ones. Sentences for violent youths should be the same as that of adult offenders.
Correctional services should be institutions where criminals repay their debts to society and not state-run resorts where prisoners are treated as special guests. This would necessitate a far reaching overhaul of the organizational structure and mandate of correctional services.
All inmates should be required to work productively to repay society for their misconduct. With South Africa’s development requirements, prisoners can play a major role in building infrastructure in the country. After WW II returning soldiers did manual labour and built irrigation channels and dams. Irrigation schemes such as Vaalharts and dams like Loskop were built in this way. Correctional supervision must be strictly applied and any transgression would result in immediate loss of freedom. A life sentence should be just that – life behind bars with no chance of parole. Those appealing their sentences must remain imprisoned and no bail should be granted after sentences are handed down because of a pending appeal.
The Christian Party would rethink the draconian firearm ownership legislation since it has had no impact on reducing the crime rate whatsoever. The right of citizens to protect themselves and their families must be protected.
The Christian Party believes that this policy will reduce the crime rate in our country and contribute to the well being of all our citizens.

http://www.cp.org.za/images/CP_Crime_Policy_2008.pdf