Six smaller political parties vying for seats in parliament presented ideas on how they would grow SA’s economy by 6% in the next five years.
The debate, the latest in a series of discussions hosted by Amava Heritage Publishers in partnership with the Steve Biko Foundation, was held at the Steve Biko Centre in Ginsburg, near Qonce, on Wednesday.
Election newcomers ActionSA and Rise Mzansi shared the podium with members of the ACDP, UDM, PAC and Azapo.
The country’s three biggest parties, the ANC, DA and EFF, pulled out at the last minute.
Before a packed auditorium, ActionSA, Rise Mzansi and the ACDP shared the view that the country should look beyond its borders to enhance the economy by attracting foreign direct investment.
The ACDP’s Mary Boateng said, if elected, the party would form alliances with South American countries to seek ways to improve the economy.
“We need to model ourselves on how the South American countries did it.
“We will form partnerships with them so they can train us on how to get it right.”
Action SA youth leader Sibusiso Bokvelt said his party aimed to create 4.6-million jobs in the next five years.
“A vibrant economy has to grow 900,000 jobs every single year.
“We are going to scrap BEE and bring in inclusive economic empowerment where everyone will have a share in the economy, not a select few.
“We are for a market-based economy where we will develop a platform for foreign investment — no country can function without foreign investment.”
Zimikhaya Gxabe of the PAC and Azapo’s Zingisile Zake rejected this.
Gxabe said: “A country that depends on foreign donations will not go anywhere.
“If that happens, your funders will dictate terms to you ... How can we solve all our problems?
“Our priority must be our citizens.
“If the citizenry is comfortable, then you have people who are willing to work for their country.
“That’s where the current government has dismally failed, they are too dependent on foreign investment.”
Zake said: “If we want to grow, we need to get rid of corruption.
“The government needs to prioritise border security to curb illicit money flowing in and out.”
In 2022, Azapo and the PAC announced a unity pact to contest elections together.
Both parties said the land should be transferred to the state.
Gxabe said:Land is a fundamental instrument of our economy. If you want to control wealth, control the land.”
Rise Mzansi regional leader Sandile Mjamba said the economy would not grow when 28-million people were dependent on social grants.
“Our economy is being strained as only a few people are working.
“We will reorientate the South African economy towards industrial growth.
“We will put three-million South Africans in sustainable jobs by 2029.
“We will fix the basics in local government.
“We will put failed municipalities under administration until they get functional.
“We will offer technical support to metros.”
UDM deputy secretary-general Zandile Phiri said its 10-point manifesto outlined a pathway out of SA’s economic crisis.
Even if in a coalition government, in the first 100 days the UDM would call for an economic indaba.
Amava Heritage Publishers director Themba Ngada said: “We wanted meaningful debates because these are crunch elections.
“If we lose our country in this election then it’s gone, we will lose it forever.”
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