|
|
| |
Policies »
|
| |
|
| |
THE DA's POLICY PROGRAMME FOR POSITIVE CHANGE
view list of policies »
The DA's policy programme for building a future that works spells out, not only what needs to be achieved, but how it can be done.
Developing pro-change policies that work in practice
For the DA, the task of government is not that of hammering an incompetent and unwilling nation into a different shape. Acknowledging the capacity of the individual lifts the sole responsibility for change from the shoulders of the leaders, and places it in the competent hands of the citizenry.
Poor people, illiterate people, rural people: none of them automatically has to be victims. What they need, more than anything, is access to skills and opportunity.
However, without growth rates that generate new jobs, South Africa is doomed to remain a society divided between those with access to the economy and the opportunities such access affords, and an underclass living in poverty and increasingly devoid of hope for the future. We must produce more winners than losers.
The DA's approach to policy-making:
1. Identify the problem or opportunity correctly
2. Prioritise, however difficult that may be
3. Get the basics right
4. Ensure that different policies complement and don't conflict with each other
5. Check that the policy proposals are practical and affordable
6. Don't re-invent the wheel. Learn from others who are succeeding: inside or outside South Africa, in the public sector, the private sector or civil society.
A caring state is a smart state, not a large one and never an inefficient one. Equally, it is not a "nanny-state" that strangles initiative through regulation, destroys choice through prescription and creates dependency through hand-outs. That approach produces neither freedom nor dignity nor jobs.
Progress Report - September 2005:
Altogether, 24 new policies have been drawn up outlining the DA's vision for an alternative government.
The policies centre on the DA's priorities of economic growth and job creation, security and peace, opportunity and empowerment, social security, and delivery.
Included in the policies are detailed proposals for stimulating conditions for 6% economic growth and the creation of one million jobs over the next five years; a police force which is adequately manned and trained to make a real impact on crime levels; and a national antiretroviral roll-out.
These policies have been drawn up over the course of two years, with significant inputs from party members and outside experts. But they are not considered to be the final word: the policies will be continually updated and reviewed to ensure that the DA's policy programme for real change remains relevant and practical.
A. GROWTH
1. "It's All About Jobs"
The DA's Economic Policy for Growth, Opportunity and Equity
2. "The Sky's the Limit"
The DA's Position Paper on cultivating the tourism industry to reach its full potential
3. "Connecting with the Future"
The DA's Position Paper on communications
4. "On the Move"
The DA's Plan for a Safe, Reliable and Affordable Transport System
5. "In Trust for the Nation"
The DA's position paper on a radical and holistic approach to protecting our natural and cultural resources
6. The DA`s Alternative Budget 2008/2009 - "Powering Growth, Opportunity & Democracy".
The best budget that South Africa could have for the 2008/09 financial year is one that tackles the electricity crisis head-on.
View previous alternative budgets
B. SECURITY AND PEACE
7. "DA Prisons Policy"
Prisons work when prisoners work
8. "Freedom From Fear"
Making the Criminal Justice System Work
9. "Putting South Africa First"
The DA's position paper on a foreign policy linked to domestic priorities and respect for human rights
10. "Fighting Fit"
The DA's policy for a properly equipped, well trained and professionally-led national defence force
11. "Putting the Voters First"
The DA's policy for an electoral system which gives voters accountable constituency MPs
12. "Strengthening Democracy Through Federalism"
The DA's policy to promote more effective, responsive and accountable government
13. "DA Rural Safety Policy - Protecting SA'S Heartland"
The DA's policy for rural safety
C. OPPORTUNITY AND EMPOWERMENT
14. "Opportunity For All"
The DA's policy for broad-based economic empowerment
15. "Liberation Through Education!"
The DA's plan to give all children access to a world-class education
16. "Land of Opportunity"
The DA's plan to create new opportunities for rural land ownership to meet the needs of all beneficiaries
17. "Building an Equal Opportunity Society"
The DA's Disability Policy
D. SOCIAL SECURITY
18. "Saving the Lost Generation"
The DA's policy on child-headed households
19. "Freedom From Want"
The DA's poverty alleviation package to improve the lives of the very poor
20. "Putting Patients First"
The DA's policy to give all South Africans access to affordable and effective health care
21. "More than a Shelter"
The DA's housing policy to build sustainable and healthy communities
E. DELIVERY
22. "Houses for All"
A DA proposal for a just and fair housing policy
23. "Modernising the Public Service"
The DA's plan to focus on efficient delivery and quality services for all the people
24. "At Your Service"
The DA's proposals for local governments which deliver efficient services to all the people
|
|
|
ABOUT THE DA
