It’s been an exciting 100 days since the Democratic Alliance (DA) took on a leadership role in the Government of National Unity (GNU). We’ve been working hard to create a plan that focuses on what matters most: growing our economy and creating jobs for all South Africans.
Today, I’d like to share with you our medium-term plan. It’s all about making sure our country thrives and that each one of us has the opportunity to succeed. Let’s dive in and take a look at what we’ve got in store!
Priority 1: Reducing Government Debt-to-GDP Ratio
First things first, we need to get our finances in order. We’re committed to lowering our debt-to-GDP ratio to below 70% by the end of the 7th administration. It might sound a bit technical, but think of it like this: we’re trying to make sure we’re not spending more than we can afford as a country.
To do this, we’re going to take a good, hard look at all our government programs. We’ll be honest – if something isn’t working or giving us real results, we’ll have to cut it. But don’t worry! We’re not just cutting for the sake of it. We’re going to take that money and put it where it really counts: things like roads and bridges, schools, hospitals, and keeping us all safe.
Priority 2: Boosting Investment, Growth, and Job Creation
Now, let’s talk about something exciting – Phase 2 of Operation Vulindlela! This is all about creating a competitive energy market. We want to make sure South Africa has reliable, affordable electricity to power our homes and businesses.
We’re also planning to invest in our energy transmission infrastructure. And here’s something cool – we’re going to open up the ports of Cape Town and Richard’s Bay to more competition. This should help make our ports more efficient and bring in more business.
But that’s not all! We’re opening up our freight rail system and creating a new broadband market. And of course, we’ll make sure we have competent people managing our rail system. All of this should help create more jobs and opportunities for everyone.
Priority 3: Digitizing Home Affairs and Reforming Immigration
Have you ever had to wait in a long line at Home Affairs? Well, we’re working on fixing that! We’re going to digitize the whole department. This means faster service and less frustration for all of us.
We’re also looking at ways to make our immigration system better. We want to make it easier for remote workers, skilled professionals, and tourists to come to South Africa. This could bring in new ideas, skills, and of course, boost our tourism industry.
Priority 4: Expanding Access to Affordable Broadband
In today’s world, being connected is so important. That’s why we’re planning a big expansion of affordable broadband, especially in areas where people haven’t had good internet access before.
We’re also working on making smartphones cheaper. Our goal is to make sure that even South Africans who don’t have a lot of money can afford a phone and get online. Imagine the opportunities this could open up for learning, working, and staying in touch with loved ones!
Priority 5: Refocusing Infrastructure South Africa
Last but not least, we’re giving Infrastructure South Africa a makeover. We want to turn it into a one-stop-shop for all government-led projects. This should make things a lot simpler and more efficient.
We’re also going to encourage more private companies to invest in infrastructure projects. This could lead to more development and create even more jobs. It’s a win-win!
The DA’s Non-Negotiables: 4 Things We Will Not Support
Now, I want to be upfront with you about a few things we won’t budge on:
- We won’t support any more bailouts for state-owned enterprises. We’ve already spent R350 billion on this, and we believe it’s time to try a different approach.
- We’re against clauses 4 and 5 of the BELA Bill. We’re worried these could make it harder for kids to learn in their mother tongue, and we believe that’s important.
- We can’t support the National Health Insurance (NHI) Scheme as it stands. We’re concerned it could be too expensive for our country to handle right now.
- Lastly, we’re firm on keeping the current ownership structure of the Reserve Bank. We believe this is important for our economic stability.
Conclusion: DA’s Commitment to Growth and Job Creation
So there you have it, these are the key things we’re focusing on to drive economic growth and reduce unemployment. We’re working hard to bring hope and improve life for all South Africans through responsible governance.
We believe in South Africa and its people. Together, we can build a brighter future for all of us. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work!