How the parties plan to change South Africa
As the 2014 general elections of 7 May approach, various parties are gearing up in preparation for the people's votes. Rekord asked them how they would change SA for the better.
As South Africa prepares for the upcoming national general elections, a total of 29 political parties will contest on 7 May.
This is the highest number of parties to contest the general elections in South African history, the Independent Electoral Commission said.
Core factors that are dominating party manifestos include health, education, corruption, crime and job creation. Rekord asked various political parties to explain how they plan on tackling these issues.
Agang South Africa on education
Agang SA believes that South Africa can only reach its potential when an effective education and training system is prioritised and implemented. Among the steps we will take include raising the pass mark to 50%. We do not believe that a pass mark of 30% encourages excellence, nor can we become competitive if we continue to settle for mediocrity. We believe that motivated teachers whose pay is linked to performance, who are part of a properly functioning education system that engages communities and parents, can unlock the potential of our young learners.
We also believe that we can offer free education if we scrap the SETAs and save their wasted billions of rands, keep the skills development levy, and direct our budget towards artisanal training. Once we have built an education system that works, where children are encouraged to learn and are kept safe, we will have the skills base necessary for industrialisation and attracting investment, which will encourage entrepreneurship, economic growth and job creation.
Freedom Front Plus on crime
The FF Plus honours police members who loyally and fearlessly fulfil their duties regardless of the poor circumstances and prospects. In contrast, the party rejects the actions of police members (more likely deployed cadres) who regard themselves as rulers and being above the law; those who abuse their positions for personal gain and the brutality that often accompanies this. The party insists that the police service be allowed to serve and protect, without political interference and within proper disciplinary norms.
Violent crime with the use of illegal weapons takes place every day and claims thousands of innocent victims annually. The FF Plus steadfastly believes in the right of competent citizens to bear arms and in suitable instances, use them to protect their lives and goods, accompanied with the duty of thorough training. Farm murders remains a crisis – figures indicate that it is currently more dangerous to be a farmer than a police officer.
The FF Plus demands a thorough police plan and that farm murders be declared a priority crime.
Rekord will bring you more parties’ manifestos in the coming weeks before the elections.
