Following manifesto launch, analysts divided over Rise Mzansi's potential impact at polls

JOHANNESBURG - Following Rise Mzansi’s manifesto launch at the weekend, analysts remain divided over its messaging and potential impact at the polls when South Africa holds its general elections in the coming months.

Rise Mzansi delivered its maiden manifesto in Pretoria at the weekend, where it pleaded with voters to take a stand in order to rescue the country from its current downward trajectory.

The manifesto focused on five priorities, including leadership and governance, safety and the rule of law, economy and jobs, as well as the climate crisis.

While the party believes its reimagining how politics should be done in the country, some analysts said there’s nothing new on offer.

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Rise Mzansi believes it has the right ingredients to reverse what it's described as the disaster that South Africa is becoming, however, analysts like Professor Lesiba Tefu disagree.

He told Eyewitness News he doesn’t believe there’s much being said by the party that voters haven't heard.

"Because whatever they are saying, save for the English, the intonation, the pronunciation, the substance remains the same."

Tefu said there’s poverty of political consciousness, leadership and vision in the country, arguing that the emergence of small parties like Rise Mzansi won't assist in the re-alignment of the country’s politics.

But another analyst, Dr Ralph Mathekga, said that Rise Mzansi shouldn’t be written off. He said that while it was at a disadvantage because its leaders were not popular, it might benefit from them not being embroiled in dodgy scandals.

"Not having been involved in a transgression on its own is a good way to start, even if you are not known."

Several other political parties are set to make their pitches to potential voters in the coming weeks.