A Framework for Multi-Party Government

The DA stands for an open society, underpinned by the Constitution, in which every person’s rights are respected, and in which security and prosperity are enjoyed by all.

Our approach to government is informed by these beliefs, and by the preamble to the Constitution, which reads:

“We, the people of South Africa,

Recognise the injustices of our past;

Honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land;

Respect those who have worked to build and develop our country; and

Believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.

We therefore, through our freely elected representatives, adopt this Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic so as to

Heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights;

Lay the foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people and every citizen is equally protected by law;

Improve the quality of life of all citizens and free the potential of each person; and

Build a united and democratic South Africa able to take its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.”

1. Foundations for a governing agenda

To give effect to this vision, we believe the following foundations are essential.

1.1 The protection and promotion of the Constitution

The protection and promotion of the Constitution is foundational to the future success of South Africa. We draw particular attention to:

- The Founding Provisions and the Bill of Rights in their entirety.

- Clauses 223 – 225 which set out the establishment, objectives and powers and functions of the Reserve Bank. These provide for the independence of the Reserve Bank and sound monetary policy “to protect the value of the currency in the interest of balanced and sustainable economic growth in the Republic.”

1.2 The creation of an independent, effective and corruption-free public service

No policy agenda will succeed unless it can be implemented effectively and protected from the destructive effects of corruption and political interference. To this end legislation and organisational reform is required to ensure the Public Service Commission is given full independence and powers of oversight, that a clear distinction is made between political posts and public service posts, that cadre-deployment is outlawed, and that best practice is applied to delivery.

1.3 A sustainable fiscal framework

In order to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, and allow the state to fund critical social and welfare services, the following provisions are essential:

- To bring the budget deficit to 3.5% or below within 3 years

- To honour the commitment made in this year’s budget to bring the debt down to 67% of GDP by 2031, after peaking at 75.3% in 2025/26.

- To ensure that all deficit funding is spent on capital expenditure and not current expenditure.

1.4 Economic policy

We believe the full and urgent implementation of Operation Vulindlela is critical for success and would focus on 7 priority areas:

- The unbundling of Eskom

- The concessioning of ports

- The establishment of a water regulator

- The implementation of a skilled visa programme

- Title deed reform to expand land ownership

- Mineral rights reform

- The rapid expansion of spectrum availability

1.5 Devolution

We believe responsibility for delivery should be devolved to the sphere of government best able to ensure successful implementation. To this end we would foresee a range of devolution

measures to be discussed in accordance with section 99 of the Constitution, and in particular:

- The implementation of the Cabinet’s decision to devolve passenger rail to metros.

- The devolution of criminal investigative power for metro policy and law enforcement officers.

1.6 Other priority policy areas

There are number of policy areas in which the DA has proposals to enhance the quality of life of the people of South Africa. These would be discussed once the Framework for Government is agreed.

2 Operating model

We would seek to agree an “operating model” for a multi-party government that provides for:

- Full and effective parliamentary oversight of government

- Multi-party access to, and input into, the budgeting process

- The establishment of a multi-party management group to clear contested policies prior to presentation at Cabinet

- A dispute resolution mechanism

ENDS