DA's Plan for Growth and Jobs - Democratic Alliance

Foreword by Helen Zille, Leader of the Democratic AllianceSouth Africa is at a crossroads. We have one of thehighest rates of unemployment in the world and 39 % ofthe population live below the poverty line – while eachpassing day the costs of living rise.As a nation South Africa has overcome seeminglyinsurmountable obstacles. Now, our biggest problem weface as a nation is that of poverty. Almost every analystagrees with this statement. Poverty robs people ofdignity, keeps them locked out of opportunity, stunts theirdevelopment and prevents them living a life they value.But even the most intractable problem can be overcome by a plan of action that is based onan accurate diagnosis, and implemented effectively.The unemployment and poverty crisis has the potential to rip our nation apart, but if SouthAfricans unite behind a plan to overcome it, that plan could provide the glue that brings ustogether to build one nation, with one future.It is my great pleasure to introduce the DA’s 8% Growth Plan. We believe it is the planbehind which South Africans can unite to achieve a sustained economic growth rate of 8%.We know that no country has ever overcome poverty and unemployment without substantial,sustained economic growth. This must be our central focus.The plan is an inclusive one – it sets out how the right conditions can be created to ensurethat all South Africans may have access to the job market so that no-one is left behind,destitute and without a future.The DA and I have put our faith in this plan – we believe it is the way forward. Where the DAgoverns we are already proving how many jobs a growth-centred economic policy canrealise. This document is our flagship.We present it to South Africans as they ask themselves which party’s plan to support in therun-up to the momentous 2014 general election. We are confident that this vision can leadSouth Africa into a new era in which every person can achieve his or her potential.We urge government to take heed of this plan, which dovetails in large measure with theNational Development Plan. There is a clear basis on which to take the discussions forwardand build the moderate centre of South African politics as a strong, non-racial, party ofgovernment, with policies that enable our country overcome the scourge of poverty.3 | P a g e