OUTA supports freedom movement initiative

This week saw the launch of the Freedom Movement, a coalition of leadership within various sectors of society intent on developing a coordinated effort to address the serious concerns and issues threatening South Africa’s democracy and constitutional values.

The formation of the Freedom Movement arrives in the wake of a national uprising and call for President Zuma to step down after his decision to remove Minister Pravin Gordhan and his Deputy, Mcibisi Jonas from Treasury. It is further exacerbated by many concerns related to state capture, corruption and the President’s disregard for the constitution of South Africa.

“As an authentic and leading civil society organisation, OUTA believes the journey of developing a coordinated approach to address the challenges we face as a nation is very necessary,” says Wayne Duvenage, OUTA’s Chairperson. “This is not about aligning ourselves with politics, but rather aligning ourselves with a collective of various political parties, labour movements, faith-based entities and other sectors of society, to a common agenda.”

OUTA’s alignment with the Freedom Movement and other future initiatives is about collaboration. In doing so, we do not intend to interfere with our own independence or strategy to continue our work in tackling maladministration and corruption. Our focus will remain to hold to account those who abuse their authority and waste taxpayers money. We remain apolitical and authentic in our fight for the rights of ordinary citizens who are fed up with the waste of our national resources.

“All genuine and meaningful initiatives that seek to have President Zuma removed from office and our nation's governance realigned to the interests of the people, will receive our support and endorsement,” says Duvenage. “We will be sharing more detail with our supporters and followers of the protest action being planned for Freedom Day on Thursday 27 April in due course.”