The Landless Peoples Movement (LPM) says its first ever policy conference paves the way for further policy debates, input, and value addition during public consultations.
The party says that in this way, it means to expand contributions to various sectors of society and the economy for all role-players.
Party delegates deliberated on policy matters including land, urban land and housing, education, agriculture, SME empowerment, state participation in the economy, poor access to health care, and mismanagement of public natural resources.
The conference resolved that a fully-fledged policy document would be adopted, following consultation, to help members better understand the party's stance on social and economic matters.
'' A team was tasked, namely the Policy Unit, led by Hon. Lasarus Kairabeb, which will take the Policy Conference content forward, developing the framework for a national consultative framework platform, and adding more areas of focus towards a more complete compilation, as indicated before.''
Swartbooi also announced two new Deputy Leader Operative Secretary positions to strengthen the party's internal work and deepen the link between the LPM and government deployees.
''We also decided to develop further documents to look at how we can create the federalist approach that this party has, away from the unitary state concept contained in our constitution. The People's Assembly agreed and adopted the Policy Conference Principles of Policy and directed the Founding Executive to carry forth the task of generating the Consolidated Policy Document of the Party.''
LPM's deputy leader, Henny Seibeb, expressed disappointment with the government's alleged lack of interest in engaging with the party towards better policy reform, inclusive of all citizens at all levels, despite proposed motions and submitted documents to the relevant offices.
He cited the land reform and resettlement policy, the affirmative action loan scheme, proposals for water and electricity debt right-offs, the plight of small-scale miners, and illegal lithium mining, as well as urban and land crises, as examples.
The LPM leader further expressed disappointment with how retired individuals are reemployed.
The party elected its first ever convention of 117 members, who will serve for five years.