Cape Town — Democratic Alliance (DA) leader and Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, believes his party’s participation in the Government of National Unity (GNU) has fostered greater optimism for the future of South Africa.
During a press conference in Johannesburg, Steenhuisen outlined five key areas of priority for the GNU’s medium-term plans, which will be announced on 30 October 2024. The DA’s priorities are economic growth and job creation and the party also identified four areas which it would not agree to under any circumstances, a statement read.
After 100 days, the GNU is on the cusp of making its most important strategic choices. The DA is determined to ensure that every choice that is made will drive growth up and unemployment down, and bring new hope for a better life to South Africans. pic.twitter.com/pBe7IPblU5
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) October 11, 2024
The DA said it wants to reduce the government’s debt-to-GDP to under 70% by the end of the 7th administration, which will include a comprehensive spending review in each government programme.
“This is essential to fund priority commitments such as infrastructure, education, health and security,” he said.
Steenhuisen added that the DA wanted to drive investment, growth and job creation through Operation Vulindlela by creating a competitive energy market, concession of ports in Cape Town and Richards Bay and creating a secondary market for broadband, while also digitising Home Affairs and the immigration system to attract more remote and skilled workers.
Steenhuisen added that the final two points were to expand access to broadband in poorer areas and make smartphones cheaper for greater access to the extra bandwidth, while also refocusing Infrastructure in South Africa to become a single point of entry for government-led infrastructure.
[WATCH] DA leader John Steenhuisen outlines the party’s priorities for the medium term, with GDP debt reduction topping the list.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/wauMt8qW15
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 11, 2024
The DA was also adamant that it would not agree to any of the following:
- Further bail-outs for state-owned enterprises. South Africa has spent over R350 billion in bailouts for SOEs over the past 10 years, and this is one of the key reasons there is now a fiscal crisis. Money that should be available for teachers and nurses is now gone. It has to stop.
- The implementation of clauses 4 and 5 of BELA, which needless opens the door to depriving children of mother-tongue education in single-medium schools.
- The implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme, will bankrupt South Africa without improving healthcare or health outcomes.
- The attempt by the EFF to win support for a private member’s bill to change the ownership structure of the Reserve Bank, which would decimate confidence in the future of our economy. The DA will use our position in parliament to block any change to the ownership structure of the Reserve Bank.
“After 100 days, the GNU is on the cusp of making its most important strategic choices. The DA is determined to ensure that every choice that is made will drive growth up and unemployment down, and bring new hope for a better life to South Africans. That is the reason we entered the GNU 100 days ago, and it remains our purpose today,” he concluded.
[WATCH] DA leader John Steenhuisen says the party will fight within the GNU to oppose the bailout of state-owned enterprises. He adds that they will use their vote to oppose any attempt to change the ownership of the Reserve Bank.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/fDsnvfW2fC
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 11, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
