ANC, DA at odds over how to revive SA’s ailing economy

The two largest parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) are at odds over how to revive the country’s ailing economy.

On Monday, the African National Congress (ANC) unveiled its ten-point economic action plan, designed to drive economic growth.

The plan prioritises strengthening the electricity grid, speeding up infrastructure development, and boosting chrome exports.

In contrast, the Democratic Alliance (DA) argues that abolishing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) is the most effective route to economic growth.

The DA maintains that economic opportunities should be awarded based on skill and merit, rather than skin colour or gender.

The party argues that BBBEE primarily benefits the elite while leaving behind those who desperately need economic opportunities.

The ANC, however, emphasises that BBBEE is intended to address historical racial injustices and to drive exclusion.

ANC president, Cyril Ramaphosa, believes the party’s new ten-point plan can revive the country’s economy.

"Through this work, we will give effect to the mandate that we have been given to fundamentally transform our economy to meet the needs of all South Africans, leaving no one behind, while the two biggest parties in the national coalition have different views of how the economy can be improved."

Ramaphosa said that the GNU will have to implement the ANC’s economic action plan.