By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen has told supporters that the party’s manifesto was a “blueprint for a local government that works”.
Steenhuisen launched the party’s manifesto on Saturday, ahead of the local government elections on 1 November.
He told supporters the DA manifesto is not a document of promises but a record of action.
“The DA governs less than 10% of South Africa’s municipalities, but the top 5 performing municipalities are all DA-run,” said Steenhuisen.
He said DA believes no South African should struggle to access basic services.
“For starters, our party is obsessed with doing the basics well – streamlining and correcting our systems until they are efficient and entirely focused on solving the problem, whether this problem is collecting refuse, filling potholes, managing housing lists or keeping people safe.
“We also believe in employing only fit-for-purpose individuals to government, and then demanding accountability from them. Because this is the only way to build a capable state.”
He added: We have zero-tolerance for corruption, and we have an obsession to reduce any unauthorised or irregular expenditure as low as we possibly can.
“In other words, to spend every cent of public money in the most efficient manner and where it makes the most impact.”
He said government could not create all the jobs needed, but it could play an enabling role by putting in place systems and support legislation for businesses to flourish.
“And it can offer individuals opportunities which they must then grasp in order to live a life of value.
“None of these things is rocket science. They are just the basic principles of good governance. But they are also the very things that set DA governments apart.
“When you apply these principles to local government, along with a clear, long-term vision for a town or city, you get what we call the DA difference,” Steenhuisen said.
The manifesto also focused on issues like water provision, electricity provision, crime and safety, and fostering economic growth.