Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ferial Haffajee
Published on 2024-02-24 13:28:50
The African National Congress (ANC) is currently facing its most challenging election in 30 years, with the party promising to create 3.5 million job opportunities in the next five years if it wins the May 29 election. Jobs are the top priority for South African voters, according to the largest poll conducted. The party aims to channel investment assets into its growth and development plans, with proposed measures such as prescribed assets, a sovereign wealth fund, and increased state intervention in monetary policy.
Despite previous promises on prescribed assets, a sovereign wealth fund, and state involvement in monetary policy, these measures have yet to be implemented by the ANC. The party also reaffirms its commitment to land expropriation without compensation in its latest manifesto. The manifesto emphasizes aligning macroeconomic policy with social priorities, including interest and exchange rates, which are currently determined by the South African Reserve Bank and the financial markets, respectively.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s government has become the largest employer in the country due to the presidential employment stimulus, with plans to expand the workforce. The party aims to increase its employment plan by 2.5 million opportunities, with an additional 1 million jobs to be created through incentives for small enterprises, entrepreneurs, and co-ops, particularly in rural areas. The manifesto highlights the high youth unemployment rate and the need for targeted job creation initiatives.
In addition to job creation, the ANC also proposes the establishment of a public banking sector, including sector-specific banks and a public retail banking system, to mobilize additional domestic and international resources. The party acknowledges that ANC leaders have made mistakes in the past, leading to a loss of trust among voters, but it is working towards restoring confidence and ethical conduct within the party.
The manifesto addresses various other issues, such as hunger and poverty, energy security, transportation infrastructure, healthcare, and crime and corruption. The ANC pledges to increase VAT-exempt food items, support community and home gardens for food security, and tackle price-fixing to alleviate the cost of living crisis. The party also plans to promote solar power and establish a national oil company to enhance energy security.
On the issue of crime and corruption, the ANC promises to strengthen law enforcement agencies, enhance prosecution and legal processes, and implement rigorous anti-corruption measures. The party emphasizes its commitment to treating corruption as a crime against the people and vows to combat it effectively.
In response to the DA’s criticism of cadre deployment, the ANC has revised its selection criteria for public representatives to prioritize skills, education, experience, and integrity. The manifesto also addresses immigration policy, with a focus on regulating employment of foreign workers and simplifying visa applications to protect local job seekers.
Overall, the ANC manifesto outlines a comprehensive strategy for addressing key issues such as job creation, economic development, social welfare, and good governance. The party’s proposals aim to address the needs of the population and restore trust in the government, despite facing significant challenges in the upcoming election.
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