POLITICS

Our new focus is self-reliance - AfriForum

Kallie Kriel says the ANC govt is simply not interested in looking after the interests of racial minorities

AfriForum officially opens new Head Office and enters new phase with a focus on self-reliance

2 September 2014

AfriForum is entering a new phase by shifting its focus to the mobilising of its 100 000 members to strive for self-reliance, thus taking care of their own interests and the interests of their communities, in addition to the active protection of civil rights.

This announcement was made at the official opening of the new AfriForum Head Office in Centurion today.

The announcement is included in AfriForum's plan for the future, titled: "Priority Projects post 100 000 members". The plan comprises three focal points, namely: 

1. Actions for the improvement of existing realities in the country.

2. The conception of new realities through actions of self-reliance.

3. The strengthening of AfriForum as vehicle for the implementation of the plan.

According to Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, the interests of minorities are not included in the agenda of the ruling party, and minorities, such as Afrikaners, will therefore increasingly have to take responsibility to create a better future for themselves. "It is liberating to improve a society independently, as it enables communities to thrive without dependence on authorities," Kriel said. Kriel added that the network of community safety structures which are being established across the country, within the framework of the law, is one of the core self-reliance actions of the organisation.

Kriel said the new AfriForum Head Office, which houses more than 70 full-time employees, is a living monument of what a community can achieve when they take responsibility for their future and when they build a better society through strong civil institutions. "The table has been set to build on AfriForum's strength in order for the organisation to become an even larger role player in building a better future."

AfriForum also launched the AfriForum GPS, designed for a variety of smartphones, at the opening event. Steve Hofmeyr's voice gives directions in Afrikaans on this fun GPS. The GPS can be downloaded free of charge by all members of the public by just typing in the words, AfriForum GPS on Google Play Store, Apple App Store and Blackberry World.

The first edition of the new AfriForum member magazine, FORUM, was also launched. This magazine, under the editorship of Alet Rademeyer, will keep members abreast of all activities of AfriForum, and boasts in-depth articles about current affairs in the country.

The AfriForum "Priority Projects Post 100 000 Members Policy Document" is available atwww.afriforum.co.za.

Statement issued by Kallie Kriel, CEO: AfriForum, September 2 2014

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