Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ferial Haffajee
Published on 2024-02-25 20:41:28
The Democratic Alliance (DA) recently unveiled its manifesto at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, with party leader John Steenhuisen emphasizing a focus on streamlining and professionalism as part of their rescue plan for the country. A notable departure from traditional policies was the removal of any form of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) in favor of adopting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as a target.
The DA’s manifesto covers a wide range of policy areas, each aimed at addressing the challenges facing South Africa and offering solutions to improve the lives of its citizens. The party’s proposals include significant changes to social grants and support policies, with plans to increase the child support grant and extend it to pregnant mothers, streamline disability grants, and convert the Social Relief of Distress grant into a job seekers’ grant. The DA believes that these measures can lift six million people out of poverty.
In terms of climate change and the environment, the DA is committed to focusing on renewable energy, including manufacturing and easing tariffs for imports such as solar panels. The party has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions as part of its environmental goals.
Addressing crime and corruption is a key priority for the DA, with proposals to decentralize policing to capable provincial and metro governments, reduce bloated senior management in the South African Police Service (SAPS), introduce lifestyle audits for police officers, and protect whistleblowers. The party also plans to crack down on illegal guns, support responsible gun ownership, and implement measures to combat corruption at various levels of government.
On the economic front, the DA aims to remove race as an employment criterion and replace it with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The party advocates for fiscal responsibility, with no new taxes and a focus on stabilizing debt, controlling spending, and fixing state-owned enterprises. The DA also plans to establish one-stop shops for small businesses to streamline support and encourage entrepreneurship.
In the education sector, the DA proposes measures to ensure that each child receives 210 teaching days a year, with a focus on literacy and numeracy. The party aims to improve educational outcomes by introducing literacy and numeracy tests, promoting STEM education, and strengthening the district model. Additionally, the DA plans to reform the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) by implementing a tiered system of bursaries based on household income.
Other areas covered in the DA’s manifesto include food security, governance, healthcare, job creation, land reform, energy, and civil service reform. While the party’s manifesto has been praised for its comprehensive approach to addressing key issues facing South Africa, some critics have raised concerns about the removal of BEE from state procurement processes, citing the country’s history of racial inequality.
Overall, the DA’s manifesto presents a vision for a more efficient, accountable, and inclusive government that prioritizes the well-being of all South Africans. With a strong focus on addressing poverty, crime, corruption, and environmental challenges, the party’s proposals aim to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for the country.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
