Ernst Roets Launches Pioneer Initiative, Advocating for Afrikaner Self-Governance

Ernst Roets, executive director of the Afrikaner Foundation and a well-known advocate for Afrikaner self-determination, has unveiled the Pioneer Initiative, a think tank aimed at exploring alternative political models for South Africa’s governance.

Roets, a former deputy CEO of AfriForum, insists that the Pioneer Initiative is not a political party but rather a platform to address what he describes as a leadership vacuum in South Africa.

Also Read: Ernst Roets Claims South African Universities Teach White People Are “Sub-Human”

A Push for Decentralised Governance

Speaking to IOL, Roets said the initiative had received strong backing from a broad audience, emphasizing that it goes beyond just Afrikaner interests.

“The support for the Pioneer Initiative has been overwhelmingly positive. We already have hundreds of supporters contributing. It’s not just about Afrikaners,” he said.

While Roets dismissed speculation that the initiative could evolve into a political party, he stated that South Africa’s political system and governance structure are the primary concerns.

“We believe the problem is not just political parties but the system they operate within. South Africa’s governance is overly centralised, and we need a system where the national government has significantly less control over local affairs,” he explained.

South Africa currently follows a constitutional democracy with a three-tier government system at national, provincial, and local levels. However, Roets argues for greater decentralisation, which could include federalism, devolution, or enhanced local governance.

Potential Implications for Cape Independence

Roets also pointed out that decentralisation could benefit movements like Cape Independence, which seeks the secession of the Western Cape from South Africa.

“A departure from a centralised government could open the door to territorial or cultural autonomy, provincial empowerment, and possibly even a federalist system,” he added.

The Cape Independence movement has gained momentum in recent years, advocating for the Western Cape to operate independently from Pretoria’s control. The Pioneer Initiative’s support for decentralisation could align with such efforts.

Criticism of Race-Based Policies

Roets also criticised South Africa’s race-based policies, particularly Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and the controversial Expropriation Act.

“The West is starting to experiment with policies similar to those we’ve had for years in South Africa. We already know the consequences,” he warned.

He referenced former U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous comments on South Africa’s land policies, as well as billionaire Elon Musk’s criticism of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies in the U.S., which he compared to BEE regulations.

“BEE and DEI both create racial preferences in policy-making. South Africa is already experiencing the negative effects of these policies,” Roets said.

Pioneer Initiative’s Future Plans

Roets clarified that the Pioneer Initiative is independent and not affiliated with AfriForum or Solidarity.

He stated:
“I am an Afrikaner, and I want my people and community to have more autonomy over their affairs. We currently do not have that.”

According to Roets, the think tank aims to educate and inform South Africans on how a decentralised system could function, potentially granting provinces more power or creating a federal governance model.

The initiative has already gained traction among conservative and nationalist groups, sparking debate about the future of South Africa’s political landscape.

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Sourced: IOL