Why this matters and how we did it
At the heart of South Africa’s democracy lies an undeniable truth that the ‘people shall govern’. The People’s Analysis of Manifestos is a process aimed at recentering our political discourse around the people’s needs, aspirations, and voices. This document is crucial as it attempts to shift the needle, reminding us that democracy is more than just elections and political parties; it is about ensuring that every person has the power to influence decisions that affect their lives. The pervading approach to democracy, where political parties are the supposed primary arbiters of socioeconomic change, has often led to disillusionment among South Africans because, for millions, socioeconomic change is yet to take place. By prioritising the voices of the people—those directly affected by policy decisions—this document aims to restore faith in the democratic process.
The significance of this document surpasses the conventional boundaries of political party manifesto analysis. It attempts to represent a proactive step towards redefining democracy to mean active participation and influence by the citizens rather than passive observation and occasional voting. By examining the manifestos of political parties through the lens of people’s demands and aspirations, this document seeks to begin to bridge the gap between people and those who have been put in power to represent them
In a society where a select few have often monopolised political narratives, the People’s Analysis of Manifestos emerges as a tool of empowerment. It asserts that democracy should be a daily lived experience characterised by equitable participation and influence over the governance processes. This approach holds political parties accountable and galvanizes the citizenry to engage more actively with the democratic process, thereby nurturing a culture of sustained civic engagement and accountability.
Jobs for All!
Jobs for All!
Government must become Employer of Last Resort (ELR), provide jobs on a long-term basis and pay the national minimum wage for the people to fix, build and expand public services. In addition, government must prioritize industrial development and focus on job-creating industries, while diversifying the economy by supporting new and underdeveloped industries, dismantling monopolies and allowing for more competition and lower prices.
Universal Basic Income Grant and Health Justice Now!
Universal Basic Income Grant and Health Justice Now!
Government must develop a well-defined plan with specific timelines to progressively expand social assistance coverage with the objective of ensuring universal, unconditional, seamless access to a basic income for all working-age adults. Further, government must commit to a People’s NHI, where health care is treated as a fundamental human right, not a marketable commodity, and is founded on the principles of universality, solidarity and public benefit.
Equal Quality Education for All!
Equal Quality Education for All!
In line with Government’s Minimum Norms and Standards all schools must have safe and secure buildings, proper ablution facilities, clean running water, reliable electricity connections, functional computer and science laboratories, steady internet connection, resourced libraries, and recreational facilities. Security measures and interventions must be prioritized to promote safe schools and maintain law and order. In addition, schools must accommodate differently abled learners and have proper classroom learner-to-teacher ratios.
End Gender-Based Violence and Femicide!
End Gender-Based Violence and Femicide!
Government must create a unified and effective response to GBVF, where accountability across society and in government is key to sustaining efforts, as well as integrate GBVF priorities into government planning and budgeting processes. In addition, the government must work with other stakeholders to change societal norms and behaviours that perpetuate GBVF and dedicate resources to ensuring the recovery and well-being, justice and protection for survivors. We must alter the economic dynamics that make women vulnerable to abuse and dependent on their abusers. Collaborative research efforts and the dissemination of data related to gender-based violence and femicide among different sectors of society is crucial.
Land and Housing for All!
Land and Housing for All!
Government must acknowledge discriminatory policies of the Apartheid state which gave prominence to Native Land Act of 1913 and Group Areas Act of 1950. Further, we must prioritise fair access to land to allow the underprivileged to gain from inhabiting and using the land, while making provision for current use of agricultural and industrial purposes. Align redress with the Constitution as it pertains to the right to equitable access to land, the right to tenure security and the right to restitution, with clear timelines, and accountability mechanisms for not reaching targets on time.
End Loadshedding Now!
End Loadshedding Now!
The government must raise financial resources (no foreign loans) to improve performance of power stations and stabilize the energy supply by fixing Eskom’s fleet through thorough maintenance. Procurement for maintenance must be direct and contracts publicly disclosed to ensure accountability and curb corruption. Government must reform the Free Basic Electricity programme, stop the process of unbundling and the creation of a competitive electricity market and allow Eskom to get renewable energy technologies through direct public procurement.
Click here to read or download the full People's Analysis of Manifestos
Click here to read or download the full People's Analysis of Manifestos
The full People’s Analysis of Manifestos (PAM)