Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Des Erasmus
Published on 2024-03-23 13:13:12
ActionSA recently launched its 2024 election manifesto with ambitious goals and promises for the future of South Africa. Led by Herman Mashaba, the party unveiled a comprehensive plan that includes a 30-year “opportunity fund” to replace black economic empowerment, a commitment to securing the country’s borders, and a pledge to overhaul the criminal justice system.
One of the key promises of ActionSA is to create the conditions for the private sector to generate 4.8 million sustainable jobs by 2029 if they are elected into power in the upcoming elections. The party also aims to end load shedding within two years by taking steps such as using economic sabotage charges against criminal syndicates that exploit Eskom, introducing alternative energy sources, and implementing a local grid system.
Born from a split from the Democratic Alliance in August 2020, ActionSA will be participating in national and provincial elections for the first time on May 29. The party aspires to defy critics and potentially play a significant role in the national government following the elections.
During the manifesto launch at the Ellis Park arena, Herman Mashaba emphasized that ActionSA was established to offer a credible, non-racial alternative to the existing political establishment. He described the manifesto as a vision of what can be achieved under an ethical and competent government, rather than a list of populist promises.
ActionSA has organized its manifesto around 18 key areas, each led by appointed “champions” who act as shadow ministers outlining specific plans for action in their respective sectors. Mashaba highlighted the party’s focus on streamlining government, enhancing infrastructure, and improving front-line services.
The party intends to reduce the size of the cabinet to a maximum of 20 posts and eliminate deputy minister positions. Additionally, they plan to redirect the current R3.7 billion budget for VIP security to frontline policing, remove non-performing ministers immediately, and facilitate investment and job creation by involving the private sector in revitalizing abandoned buildings and industrial parks.
ActionSA also aims to address social issues such as drug addiction by treating it as a medical rather than a criminal issue, focusing on rehabilitation and cracking down on drug traffickers. They plan to establish community-based rehabilitation clinics to provide essential services and address the underlying causes of crime.
Regarding law enforcement, ActionSA intends to reintroduce specialized policing units, tighten border controls, and overhaul the visa regime to facilitate legal entry for foreign nationals with skills or investments while deporting illegal immigrants and criminals. They prioritize equal treatment for foreign nationals in compliance with local regulations.
The manifesto also emphasizes building a functioning civil service focused on delivering services with pride, implementing pragmatic measures that are achievable. ActionSA opposes the National Health Insurance proposed by the ANC and instead focuses on strengthening local healthcare and ensuring that individuals with medical aid receive value for money.
Despite its relatively recent establishment, ActionSA has become the sixth-largest party in South Africa, with a presence in all 52 districts and representation in all nine provinces. As they gear up for the upcoming elections, the party’s manifesto outlines a comprehensive vision for the future of the country under their leadership.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
