MOSSEL BAY NEWS - "I want to make it very clear that I am neither quitting politics, nor stepping down as the leader of the ACDP. I am still the President of the African Christian Democratic Party who, for the next few months, will be having other priorities to focus on," said Reverend Kenneth Meshoe when he announced that he was stepping down from Parliament.

"The basis for my resignation is the two main criticisms that have been levelled against the ACDP over the years, namely a lack of visibility and poor communication.

"The 2014 elections are very important to the ACDP. I intend to lead by example and make myself more available to the party, our core constituents and the broader public. I will be working with our people on the ground, reaching out to more voters from diverse communities, and also strengthening the ACDP structures.

"Fabian Scherer was correct when he said, and I quote him again, "the ACDP's success requires the party to develop stronger communication strategies to reach more potential voters".

"A major focus will therefore be on media and communication. This will require substantial funding to successfully compete on a level playing field with other political parties. As part of the ACDP's fundraising efforts, necessary for a successful marketing and communications election campaign, I will have to travel domestically and internationally.

"For the next four to five months, it will not be possible for me to be in parliament, because of my tight work schedule. This will mean that I will be unable to fulfil the parliamentary duties I am paid for. My conscience will not allow me to receive payment from parliament when I cannot attend to my parliamentary duties. I have therefore decided to step down temporarily from parliament to help grow the party.

"I will be suitably replaced by the ACDP's Deputy President, Councillor Wayne Thring, who has been with the party for 13 years in the Ethekwini Metro serving as the caucus leader in Council and currently also as the Provincial Leader of the party in Kwazulu-Natal.
"We envision a South Africa where educational opportunities are equal for all. It is this shared future that I will be working for," Rev Meshoe added.

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