Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ferial Haffajee
Published on 2024-03-03 12:23:56
The African National Congress (ANC) recently launched its election manifesto at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, where President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the party’s commitments for the upcoming elections. The manifesto includes a range of promises aimed at addressing key issues facing the country, such as job creation, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and renewable energy.
One of the central promises in the manifesto is the creation of 2.5 million work opportunities, which will be funded by the state and aimed at delivering public goods and services. This initiative is intended to provide much-needed employment opportunities for South Africans, particularly in marginalized communities such as townships and villages.
In addition to job creation, the ANC manifesto also highlights the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) system as a priority. The NHI is aimed at providing universal access to healthcare for all South Africans, regardless of their socio-economic status. The manifesto outlines plans to expand the “ideal clinic” plan and strengthen financial and supply chain management to support the rollout of the NHI over the next five years.
Another significant aspect of the ANC manifesto is the commitment to install solar panels in poor areas as part of efforts to promote renewable energy and address energy poverty. The party also plans to prioritize green technologies, energy efficiency, waste management, and climate-smart agriculture to drive sustainable development and combat climate change.
The manifesto also addresses issues of crime and corruption, with a focus on strengthening law enforcement agencies, enhancing whistle-blower protection, and cracking down on corruption at all levels of government. The ANC pledges to prioritize the professionalization of the civil service to ensure that public officials are dedicated, capable, and ethical in their service to the country.
On the economic front, the ANC manifesto includes measures to protect key industries such as steel, promote industrialization, and support black-owned businesses through the expansion of the black industrialist program. The party also plans to introduce measures related to prescribed retirement assets and investment funds to support national economic goals and engage financial institutions to invest in industrialization and infrastructure development.
In terms of education, the ANC manifesto outlines plans to achieve universal early childhood education by 2030, expand vocational and technical training programs, and build student residences using funds from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. The party also promises to increase subsidies for housing for vulnerable populations and strengthen social services for older citizens.
Overall, the ANC manifesto sets out a comprehensive plan for addressing key challenges facing South Africa and outlines a vision for inclusive growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. While the success of these promises will depend on effective implementation and coordination across government departments, the manifesto signals the party’s commitment to driving positive change and addressing the needs of all South Africans.
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