The ANC manifesto: ANC’s plan for putting SA to work
1 March 2024
Since 1994, the South African economy has been radically transformed. The country is a much better place today than it was 30 years ago. South Africa's working class has, over the years under democracy, secured a fairer labour dispensation and rising wages. The black middle class, and cadre of black professionals have grown exponentially in wealth and influence. Access to land and tenure security for black South Africans in rural areas has increased. Currently, the number of people employed has reached its highest ever level with over 16.7 million employed.
A skills revolution, which led to creation Of new cohort Of professionals in various sectors Of the economy, has provided pathways from basic education to further and higher education to children of all races.
The firm economic foundation which we laid, helped our economy to withstand the economic crisis Of 2008 and later the COVID-19 pandemic. Both these devastations left our economy battered but it remained very resilient. The adoption Of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP), which included accelerating accelerate reforms and revitalization of various sectors placed our economy on a sustainable recovery from the pandemic, until it surpassed pre-pandemic levels in terms Of size and number Of jobs.
Building on the back Of this progress, much more needs to be done to create more jobs and lift the living standards of those who have been left behind. The ANC, through its Manifesto, is recommitting itself to putting the people's needs and dreams at the centre Of its programme, as it is the only party in South Africa that is capable of building on the successes of the first 30 years of democracy — and securing a better life.