The African National Congress (ANC) has unveiled its manifesto ahead of South Africa's upcoming elections, outlining key promises centered on unemployment, economic growth, and infrastructure enhancement.
In a bid to tackle the pressing issue of unemployment, the ANC has set a target to generate 2.5 million job opportunities over the next five years, with a commitment to gradually raise the social relief grant for unemployed individuals.
Without making explicit assurances regarding the resolution of the ongoing electricity crisis in the country, the party has emphasized its intent to invest significantly in critical infrastructure projects, particularly in energy infrastructure, roads, and railways, which are essential for fostering inclusive economic development.
During the manifesto launch event led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC highlighted its ambitious agenda for the forthcoming term, emphasizing the need for sustained job creation efforts. The ANC's strategy entails creating 500,000 job prospects annually for the next five years, aiming to combat the persistently high unemployment rate, which currently stands at 31.9%.
The party outlined a multi-faceted approach to achieving its employment targets, including initiatives like the Presidential Employment Stimulus, support for non-profit organizations to facilitate job opportunities, and the expansion of the National Youth Service to engage young individuals in the workforce through collaborations with the South African National Defence Force.
"[The ANC would] increase support for small enterprises, entrepreneurs and cooperatives, especially in townships and villages, providing additional one million work opportunities, with set-asides for women, youth, and persons with disabilities", the ANC said in its election manifesto.
In addition to job creation initiatives, the ANC has underlined its focus on nurturing industries to foster a more inclusive economy. The party's plans entail substantial investments in infrastructure to address the nation's water scarcity and tackle power interruptions caused by load shedding.
Moreover, the ANC has articulated plans to bolster various industrial sectors to combat the unemployment crisis, emphasizing labor-intensive industries for higher job creation. By fostering partnerships and expanding sectors with substantial job-generating potential such as mining, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, and the digital economy, the party aims to stimulate sustainable economic growth.
To bolster economic resilience, the ANC has committed to leveraging state procurement to boost local businesses, amplifying support for black industrialists, and exploring avenues for establishing a public sovereign wealth fund and a state banking sector. Additionally, the party aims to empower provinces to establish their own financial institutions to bolster economic development at the regional level.
Addressing the rising cost of living and essential needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and energy, the ANC plans to implement measures to enhance affordability for workers, the unemployed, and the middle class.
Given the strain on household budgets, the ANC's focus on meeting basic needs, investing in education, improving healthcare services, and enhancing service delivery underscore its commitment to improving the quality of life for all citizens.