Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Des Erasmus
Published on 2024-03-02 13:35:18
United Democratic Movement (UDM) leader Bantu Holomisa recently launched the party’s manifesto, putting forward a proposal to partially privatize Eskom in order to address South Africa’s energy crisis. The UDM, a smaller political party, is gearing up for the upcoming general elections in May and is working to maintain its relevance in the political landscape.
Since its inception in 1999, the UDM has seen a decline in electoral support with each general election. Initially securing 14 seats in Parliament, the party’s representation dwindled to just two seats in the most recent elections. Holomisa’s leadership of the party has also faced scrutiny, as he has held the position of party president since its founding.
At the manifesto launch, Holomisa outlined a plan for a public-private partnership model for the privatization of Eskom, with the government maintaining a 51% stake in the entity. He emphasized the need for assistance from countries with expertise in power generation to conduct an independent assessment of South Africa’s energy crisis.
In his address, Holomisa criticized the African National Congress (ANC) for allegedly misleading the public about the causes of load shedding. He also mentioned seeking support from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to explore extending deadlines for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
The economic impact of load shedding was highlighted, with the South African Reserve Bank estimating daily losses of up to 899 million rand. Minister Ramokgopa acknowledged that over 650,000 jobs were lost in 2022 due to load shedding, with projections of 850,000 more job losses by 2023. The unemployment rate rose to 32.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023, further underscoring the urgency of addressing the energy crisis.
To combat unemployment, the UDM plans to facilitate connections for small businesses, secure funding sources for entrepreneurs, and promote investment in community enterprises. The party also aims to revitalize older economic models by reinstating maintenance units for infrastructure and establishing waste management initiatives.
In addition to economic reforms, the UDM pledges to take a strong stance against corruption and abuse of power. Special courts will be established to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in corrupt practices, and anti-corruption task teams will be deployed across provinces to combat corruption at all levels.
Holomisa stressed the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring their safety in reporting instances of corruption. The party plans to invest in training for civil servants and law enforcement personnel to enhance their IT skills and improve cooperation among relevant institutions.
Efforts to address financial misconduct, price-fixing, and currency manipulation by private entities will also be a priority for the UDM. The party aims to streamline government processes related to pensions and UIF claims, depoliticize the civil service and law enforcement agencies, and implement a merit-based appointment system.
Overall, the UDM’s manifesto outlines a comprehensive plan to address key issues facing South Africa, with a focus on energy reform, economic revitalization, corruption prevention, and good governance. Holomisa’s leadership and strategic vision for the party reflect a commitment to driving positive change and advancing the interests of the country and its citizens.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
