Political commentator Mike Sham recently hosted a voter education event in collaboration with the Potchefstroom Student Campus Council (SCC) of the North-West University (NWU).
Mike Sham, as well as the students of the NWU who were present at the event, questioned the various political representatives in attendance about their manifestos and the reasons behind the parties’ request for votes.
Lecturer Ongama Mtimka of the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) set the tone of the event by highlighting some of the key issues that the nation is facing, and questioned how these problems will be resolved by the political parties.
Among the political party representatives were Liam Jacobs (DA), Lawrence Manaka (Rise Mzanzi), Heloise Denner (FF+), and Dr Tutu Faleni (ActionSA). Mothusi Montwedi (EFF), Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster from Build One SA, and Nombiselo Sompa-Masiu from the ANC were the other representatives.
Social grants
Nombiselo Sompa-Masiu was questioned on where the money will come from to increase the social grants as stated in the ANC’s manifesto. She answered: “It cannot be that we are where we are after the years then we do not have a plan. We will make sure that we pay millions of children social grants, the plan is there.”
According to Mothusi Montwedi, the EFF has committed to doubling the social grants. He argued that the scrapping of roles in parliament, such as deputy minister positions, may provide funds to increase the social grants, because in his opinion, these roles are inefficient.
Dr Tutu Faleni said in order to assist people in becoming self-sufficient, we need to reduce the number of individuals who are dependent on the grants by increasing entrepreneurship and creating jobs. Our economy cannot support an ever-growing number of grant-dependent individuals,” added Dr Faleni.
Lawrence Manaka said there is a need for social grants. He further claimed that Rise Mzanzi intends to create an equal, prosperous, and united South Africa by taking out corrupt politicians and providing employment to those who need it.
Education
In the words of Heloise Denner, the education system, currently run by the ANC, is deplorable. She also stated it is discriminating that children in the mainstream education system can receive education only in English or Afrikaans.
“We need to look at mother tongue-based education where children can learn to the highest possible level in their mother tongues. This will promote better understanding.”
“We should ensure teachers are upskilled by paying them good incentives in order to attract and retain the best teachers,” said Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster. She continued by emphasising the significance of parents selecting the educational institution for their children, citing Build One SA’s voucher scheme as an option that gives parents that choice.
Dr Tutu Faleni declared that having a single ministry of education will guarantee the efficiency of and delivery by the education department. “Provide an opportunity for learners to exit school at Grade 10, and advance their skills shortly after that so that they can contribute to the economy,” he added.
According to Liam Jacobs, politics should be removed from schools and governing bodies should be allowed the authority they rightfully possess. He stated that the DA desires to triple the number of Grade 4 learners who can read for meaning.
Coalition, governance, and corruption
Ongama Mtimka appreciated the suggestions made by the distinguished speakers, and reckoned the country is heading towards a coalition governance.
“Not all great concepts will come from your political party – they may come from the opposing party. However, it is important to put your matters forward when you negotiate coalitions. Create packs that are bigger than yourselves and use your political powers to create an enabling environment.”
Asked about corruption and governance, Nombiselo Sompa-Masiu said the ANC is fighting corruption, and it will ensure capable and educated leaders are put in leadership positions. To her astonishment, Mike Sham said ANC leaders are the opposite of what is stated in their manifesto, leaving Sompa-Masiu silent.
Mothusi Montwedi criticised the anti-corruption efforts by the ANC. He said: “If the ANC is fighting corruption, they must start to disassociate themselves. The EFF has capable leaders that no one has accused of corruption.”
In reaction, Ongama Mtimka said the EFF should be careful of overconfidence as it keeps them blind to what some of their colleagues are doing at a subnational level.
Land
All the land in South Africa must be under the custodianship of the state, for equal redistribution, said Mothusi Montwedi, prompting the other speakers to respond.
Liam Jacobs disagreed and said: “We cannot talk about land expropriation without compensation. We have to analyse how we will repurpose the land that is currently owned by the state.”
Dr Tutu Faleni responded and said South Africa needs to grow its economy by empowering people with regard to financing to ensure the redistribution of land in a trouble-free manner.
Heloise Denner stated that if land expropriation without compensation occurs, South Africans will suffer long-term disadvantages. “Use underutilised government land instead of agricultural land. South Africans should be given the dignity of title deeds, not a promise.”
A comment from Nombiselo Sompa-Masiu left the crowd outraged when she said: “As the ANC, we support land redistribution, but not the way the EFF approaches it. We want to take back the land and ensure we build factories that all South Africans will benefit from.”
