ACDP Parliamentary newsletter - 5 December 2003
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In this issue:
1. ACDP celebrates TEN YEARS!
2. ACDP features in Internet Election package
3. Law-abiding citizens have right to defend themselves
4. Big Brother's Ferdi enters politics
5. Get equipped to live a Christian life!
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1. ACDP celebrates TEN YEARS!
ACDP members and supporters from around the country will be converging on Pretoria for the party's National Annual General Conference and Ten Year Anniversary celebrations next week. ACDP'ers will get to exchange news, decide on party matters, vote for leadership and of course celebrate ten years of growth, hard work and blessings for our nation. The highlight will be Saturday's programme of dancing, choir performances and guest presentations as ACDP leader Reverend Meshoe delivers his Presidential speech.
ACDP members interested in attending can contact their provincial offices for information.
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2. ACDP features in Internet Election package
The ACDP leadership is finalising the 2004 Election Manifesto which contains the ACDP's key policies and focus issues. For those who find manifesto reading a little daunting, can look out for a special feature on Internet news website IOL (Independent Online) which will present an election package highlighting the issues each political party will focus on. This will provide information about each party in an easy-to-read format reaching millions of readers.
The ACDP will also have this information on its website for those interested in downloading a shorter version of our policies.
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3. Law-abiding citizens have right to defend themselves
Reacting to a report in Beeld newspaper earlier this week about an AL-IVE protest march against crime in Johannesburg, ACDP MP (NCOP) Mr Kent Durr said that it was vital that in the fight against crime that ordinary law-abiding citizens retain the right to defend themselves with firearms.
Earlier this month, the Firearms Control Bill was passed by Parliament, with the ACDP voting against amendments severely retricting firearm ownership.
"It is no secret that we in the ACDP are against the constant focus of the authorities on firearms that are lawfully owned, stored and used. It is like the traffic police harassing only law abiding motorists and not focusing on dangerous drivers and stolen vehicles.
"It is time the authorities began to turn their attention upon the criminal owners of unlawful weapons instead of expending their energy upon law abiding gun owners that are simply attempting to protect their lives and property because of the failure of the state to do so," Mr Durr said.
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4. Big Brother's Ferdi enters politics
Report from Rapport newspaper, by political reporter Eugene Gunning
The ACDP has involved South Africa's first Big Brother winner Ferdinand Rabie, who recently joined the party, in its election run-up campaign to convince voters to vote for the party next year.
"We will definitely not be using him as a political football," said ACDP National PRO Ymile Kennedy. But Reverend Kenneth Meshoe's party hopes to win some of the support that put Rabie in the position to walk away with Big Brother's R1 million prize money.
Rabie himself has no political ambitions to go to Parliament after the 2004 elections, even though he has politics in his blood. His grandfather George Groenewald was formerly a Member of Parliament for the National Party.
Rabie is currently helping to arrange a fundaraising golf day with Kennedy, the mother of his former girlfriend Shari. Closer to the election, photographs of him may also be used in promotional material and information pamphlets.
The man that used the nickname 'Boesman' in his Big Brother days confirmed that he has joined the ACDP and that it was part of the religious beliefs that recently took priority in his life.
The ACDP's strong stand against crime and promotion of family values were the two biggest reasons why he joined the party. He himself has been a victim of crime, when his tour buses were broken into numerous times.
Kennedy said that the ACDP was very pleased that Ferdi had decided to throw his weight behind the party. "Ferdinand plays an important role in many levels of society and is involved with many welfare organisations. His political connections will not interfere to jeopardise his larger role in society."
According to Kennedy, other celebrities such as Springbok rugby player AJ Venter and former discus world record-holder John van Reenen were also involved with the party. Singer Dozi also supports the party, she says. But she emphasised that a party is not built on individuals however, but on values.
Kennedy said that the break-up of Rabie's relationship wiht her daughter had not influenced his relationship with the ACDP, saying that "he is still very much with us."
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5. Get equipped to live a Christian life!
ACDP youth are encouraged to attend the Summit Youth Leadership Development Camp - a dynamic Christian youth leadership development camp which will be taking place over the holiday period. Held from 9-16 January 2004 in Cape Town (in Rocklands, Simon’s Town), the Summit hopes to equip students for every facet of life and teaching a biblical world view.
Some of the topics include:
§ Dealing with our sexuality and relationships in the light of HIV/AIDS (Love, Courtship and Marriage) § Applied Ethics § Leadership and Conflict Resolution Skills § Music and the Arts § Free Market Economics vs. Socialism § The Christian Heritage of Freedom § Public Speaking and Debate § Evaluating Films § Causes of and Solutions to Crime § Causes of and Solutions to Poverty
Summit Ministries was founded in 1962 in Colorado USA and offers a unique programme of: guest lecturers, international speakers, authors and key leaders in their fields, special video presentations from all over the world, discussion groups, practicals, outdoor activities, projects and interaction with others determined to make an impact in their world. Detailed manuals, textbooks and lecture notes will be provided as part of the course. Summit is specifically aimed at youth between their senior high school years and tertiary education. There will also be opportunities for hiking, volleyball and water sports, forming new friendships and a community outreach and upliftment mini-project in local informal settlements.
Summit has a track record of developing the abilities, potential and confidence of all youth who have attended the training camps. Summit is incredibly motivating and offers Biblical direction in the life of young people.
The camp costs R900 per person, which includes all meals, manuals and accommodation.
Please contact Rob or Erik to discuss further details:
Rob Mc Cafferty
Communications Director
The Summit
PO Box 74, Newlands, 7725, Cape Town
Tel (021) 689 4480, Fax (021) 685 5884
e-mail: erick@frontline.org.za; uca@global.co.za
For more information and for registration forms please visit: http://www.christianaction.org.za/summit2004.htm
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