By Lynn Butler
Some youth have isolated themselves from this upcoming election, however for those who have registered; they are burdened with a frustrating question, “Who do I vote for?”
Unlike the older generation, who have set ties with various parties, the born-frees have fresh perspectives on the current and future state of South Africa.
“Why should I vote for you? What will you do for me?” These are some questions that remain relatively unanswered and as the 7th of May draws closer. Some of these questions some are still untouched by any of the parties contesting elections.
Here are seven political parties out of 152 registered parties that may provide something for you:
· African National Congress (ANC)
The ANC’s aims to create jobs, 9 million work opportunities will be set aside with 80% of those going to the unemployed youth.
Over the next five years, the ANC has committed itself to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. They will open two new universities and will ensure the progressive realisation of free education at all levels. The ANC will also introduce compulsory community service to all graduates. For the full manifesto, visit their site: http://www.anc.org.za/2014/manifesto/
· Democratic Alliance (DA)
The DA will create 1 million internships by working with businesses across the country. They will use the Youth Wage Subsidy to encourage businesses to appoint dedicated youth who need job experience.
In addition, the government will also provide at least 20 000 government internships every year.
The DA will reinstate the Narcotics Bureau and will save R30 billion per year by cutting corruption and firing those accountable. The DA's manifesto is to half unemployment over the next ten years by creating jobs from up to 6 million.
· Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
The EFF's vision aims to create sustainable jobs. They will take a minimum of 15 000 students to the best universities around the world annually, creating a sponsorship which will benefit South Africa in the future.
The EFF estimates that they will increase the number of students by 100% within five years by making a massive investment in post secondary education and training capacity. They will also create employment and increase minimum wages for all, especially miners. For the full manifesto, visit their site: http://effighters.org.za/election-manifesto/
· Agang SA
Agang SA manifesto professes to accomplish free education for all and says that this could be done if the government curbed its spending.
They have also promised to fight corruption among public servants and hold those accountable for their actions.
Job creation is seen as a reality with health, safety and security becoming a priority. Agang SA will stop BBEE as it has brought more inequality into South Africa.
They will introduce a 50% minimum pass mark for all subjects and grades. Agang will also provide bursaries for students who achieve 70% or higher to motivate and encourage students. For the full manifesto, visit their site: http://agangsa.org.za/pages/election-manifesto
· Abolition of Income Tax and Usury Party (AITUP)
The Abolition of Income Tax and Usury Party promises to give no taxation of income as everyone will have abundance of local skills, expertise and the fundamental wealth of this country.
They would are in favour of the reintroduction of the death penalty as an interim measure to convicted murders, rapists and drug dealers. They will also provide free electricity for all and schooling until the age of 16 will be compulsory and free. For the full manifesto, visit their site: http://www.abolishtax.org.za/
· Congress of the People (COPE)
COPEs manifest is to ensure that every Municipality has an FET College and also setting a benchmark for ICT literacy for educators and learners, which will empower e-learning. They will also lower the rate of learners to teachers, which will improve quality of education and create job employment.
Government clinics should be available for 24 hours in designated rural areas to improve accessibility. COPE will also re-introduce specialised police units and will downsize the government so that its resources can be redirected towards the economy. For the full manifesto, visit their site: http://www.congressofthepeople.org.za/uploads/files/Final_COPE_MANI.pdf
· Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)
The IFP employ a zero tolerance policy on corruption and will prosecute the guilty individuals by ensuring that they serve full sentences.
They will establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to help rural communities to become self-sustainable and initiate low tax investment zones in those areas to stimulate growth and development.
The IFP supports tertiary education and will allocate money for accommodation, scholarships, bursaries and loans. They will also provide more opportunities for matriculates and graduates by funding more apprenticeships especially students in rural communities.
Although each and every party has their own message and belief, it’s important that we, as youth, realise that this is our future.
Whether or not they will deliver on these principles, it is important that we start to see the importance of politics; which is always combined with our future in South Africa. This is our vote, our voice, and this is our time to make a difference in our country.
On Sunday, the 4th of May, President Jacob Zuma (ANC), Helen Zille (DA) and Julius Malema (EFF) will appear on a one-hour election special, where the politicians will be face-to-face with the youth. This TV special will encourage young South Africans to vote and there will be discussions of issues surrounding and involving the youth. The programme will start 18:00 CAT on MTV and MTV Base (DStv Channel 130 and 322).
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