South Africa

Next in our "Q&A with the Parties" series is the Independent Democrats (ID). For this interview we were fortunate enough to have Mr Simon Grindrod in the hotseat (Mr Grindrod is mayoral candidate for the ID in the Cape Town Metro). So without further ado :

 

                                   

Q : Is the ID feeling confident in the run-up to the Local Government  elections? Why?

The Independent Democrats are very confident.  This is the first time that the party is campaigning in local elections and it is evident that people are happy to have a third choice.

 

Q : What does the ID believe is the greatest challenge facing South Africans at the local level? Further, if given a mandate by voters at the local level, what area of service delivery is the party most concerned with?

The greatest challenge is ensuring the correct skills are utilised to deliver the priority of housing, which is at the base of dignity and our top priority.

 

Q : The ID as an opposition party is competing against a variety of other smaller opposition parties. How does the ID differentiate itself from these other parties and what makes it better able to govern?

The big difference between us and the others is that the Independent Democrats have a very strong belief in team work and consensus to achieve the objective we have for the people.  Opposition for its own sake has paralysed service delivery.

 

Q : In Cape Town the ID is running a relatively unknown candidate, why did the party to follow this route and what special skills does this candidate possess?

This candidate possesses management skills and human resources skills.  He has experience in planning and strategy.  The ID believes that we need more management in the city of Cape Town and less politicians.

 

Q : What is the ID’s position on the highly criticized Municipal Managers salaries? Would the ID support efforts to cap or limit these types of salaries? What other actions does the party believe are appropriate for this problem?

The ID has no objection to paying people for results.  We do not believe bonuses should be paid unless they are directly liked to increasing efficiencies, performance and savings.  The issue of bonuses is not applicable to city employees in terms of their Christmas bonuses.

 

Q : The ID remains a very small party with limited influence in the political arena. How do the leaders of the party believe they can turn this position around?

We believe that our message of consensus based politics and positive vision will eventually replace the outdated tactics and message of confrontation espoused by the ANC and DA.

 

Q : If faced with a close election result in any election, would the ID be prepared to accept a partnership with any other party? If so, who does the ID feel closest to ideologically at the local level?

The ID does not believe in coalitions but will work with any or all parties who bring forward constructive initiatives to benefit our people.

 

Q : The ID was decimated during the last floor crossing period. There is also a nasty rumor doing the rounds (emanating from the DA) that come the next floor crossing period there will be a repeat of the last debacle for the ID. What measures has the ID put in place to ensure that there is no repeat of this and that voters will be assured that the candidates they give a mandate to, will actually carry them out.

All parties suffered from the phenomenon of floor crossing.  We believe that our candidates are more than ever committed to our ideals and that their pride in our achievements will negate any temptation to cross the floor for personal benefit. All ID candidates have signed a code of conduct and an oath to serve the people they represent faithfully.

 

Q : Is there any specific candidate or ward that the ID feels particularly proud of? Who or which and why?

We are proud of all of our candidates in each and every one of the 105 wards we are contesting in the metro.

 

Q : Finally, is there anything else the party would like to say to the people of SA before the elections?

We would ask all voters to consider the consequences of another 5 years of division and polarisation under the ANC and DA.  Voters now have an opportunity to unlock the potential of our city and break the deadlock.  Both other parties have failed.  We ask voters to give us a chance.

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Well there you have it! I would like to thank Mr Grindrod for taking time off his schedule to answer our questions and wish him and his party all the best for the elections.