By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) outlined its vision for South Africa, focusing on critical areas such as economic development, education reform, and healthcare improvements as part of its election manifesto ahead of the general elections in 2024.
Party leader Vuyo Zungula called on South Africans to reclaim their power and use the upcoming elections to ensure change of the country’s fortunes.
The political party launched its manifesto at the Soweto Amphitheatre.
Zungula says “Under the ATM government, we are going to ensure that there’s local production of basic goods. We can’t be importing soap, and toothpicks to the extent that everything we eat, and wear is made in other countries.”
SA will not be Made in China country. Under ATM most products will be made in SA that is how you create jobs, you build factories, and manufacture in that country to create jobs.”
The ATM has also criticised the quality of health services for the poor. The party says there must be quality health care for all South Africans.
Zungula has decried the status quo of exceptional health services for the wealthy. This is despite the government’s current intervention to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare through the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill.
“We are equally saying, as the ATM, there needs to be quality healthcare for everyone. There can’t be a case whereby if you are rich, you are wealthy, you are going to get exceptional healthcare but if you are poor, you are not going to get quality healthcare.”
He also said there was a need for more food inspectors in the country following the death of multiple people from suspected food poisoning.
“We have a problem of fake foods that are killing our children. People in our country are being poisoned deliberately, that is why we are saying let the government employ all environmental health practitioners.”
Zungula said that the grant system must be dependable, adding that the increase must reflect the scale of the needs of South Africans.
“There must be a timeous and dependable grant system. We can’t have grants that we will receive today and tomorrow we don’t get them and grants must increase to reflect the needs of our people.”