On Thursday, February 29th, 2024, the Premier of the Northern Cape Province Dr Zamani Saul will be tabling the State of the Province Address (SOPA), to the people of the Northern Cape Province.
As ActionSA, we are conservatively optimistic whether anything new will emerge notwithstanding the rhetoric, academically researched speeches repeating itself. This Province deserves better and the only party that can present a watertight plan is ActionSA.
1. LOADSHEDDING
An ActionSA government will first and foremost keep the lights on. This starts by putting an end to the sole dependency on Eskom for our electricity by diversifying the province’s energy sources.
Despite a number of renewable energy projects being hosted so far, the Province’s economic landscape is yet to be transformed into a green economic hub.
We witness businesses impacted by loadshedding shutting down and other services adversely affected. South Africa is in critical need of new, cleaner, baseload power. ActionSA does not intend to wait on Eskom to switch on the lights.
We believe that the Northern Cape needs a renewable energy revolution as soon as yesterday. To prepare this province for the green economy, ActionSA will partner with world leaders and champions in this industry.
As Premier, I will explore options like that rolled out by the Feldheim municipality in Brandenburg and Ascha Municipality in Bavaria, Germany to pilot our green economy project. ActionSA will develop a model town in the Northern Cape that is 100% dependent on renewable energy.
ActionSA advocates for diversifying energy sources beyond the national grid, which involves promoting renewable energy (such as solar and wind) and exploring alternative technologies.
2. UNEMPLOYMENT
ActionSA will waste no time in calling for a Northern Cape Investment Summit to unlock foreign direct investment. According to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the world receives 7% of its diamonds from the NC Province, and 13% of global demand on zinc and lead accordingly. This province is surrounded by a number of mining houses.
Therefore, ActionSA will focus on minerals beneficiation as a major job creator and enabler in the province. Our biggest drawback is that unemployment, especially among the youth is extremely high and needs to be addressed immediately.
ActionSA has it on good authority that the large mining houses are procuring R18 billion annually according to the Northern Cape Provincial Government. Therefore, procurement can also become one of the major drivers of job creation.
ActionSA’s goal is to develop iron ore, zinc, and manganese refineries in the Northern Cape, particularly in Postmansburg and surrounding areas. This area is currently the railway hub of Transnet and dispatches 200 wagon trains to Saldanha Bay daily for the export market.
3. Land Reform
Land reform in the Northern Cape Province is a complex challenge, owing to the historical injustices in land ownership and distribution. Balancing the needs of all stakeholders is crucial, especially considering South Africa’s high wealth inequality and Gini coefficient. Finding a solution that addresses historical imbalances while ensuring stability and economic viability is paramount.
Crucially, this is why ActionSA will implement policies that benefit the majority while respecting the rights of all citizens. Policy certainty is essential for investment, therefore ActionSA rejects land expropriation without compensation and prioritizes protecting property rights.
4. FARM KILLINGS
ActionSA is deeply concerned about the ongoing loss of lives among farmers and farm workers in the Northern Cape Province due to violent killings. These tragic incidents not only inflict profound suffering on individuals and families but also pose significant threats to food security, rural communities, and the agricultural sector as a whole.
It is crucial that thorough investigations are conducted, perpetrators are brought to justice, and comprehensive safety measures are implemented to effectively tackle these challenges and prevent additional loss of life.
ActionSA remains steadfast in its commitment to diversity and non-racialism. We unequivocally condemn all forms of crime and prioritize the restoration of the rule of law. Addressing farm murders is of utmost importance to us, and we are dedicated to taking decisive action in this regard.
5. EDUCATION
The Northern Cape is identified as the lowest-performing province in terms of matriculation results. This underscores the urgency for educational reform, which stands as a key priority for ActionSA.
ActionSA’s education policy places a strong emphasis on equitable access, quality teaching, and efficient allocation of resources. The overarching objective is to cultivate a more inclusive and effective educational landscape across the nation.
Our vision entails equipping individuals with the necessary skills for success, thereby ensuring that the education system not only imparts knowledge but also prepares students for practical life and active economic participation.
ActionSA advocates for an education system that prioritises the development of strong foundational skills in reading and numeracy, particularly with an emphasis on enhancing Reading for Meaning from the Early Childhood Development (ECD) phase onwards.
Under an ActionSA administration, Teacher Training Colleges will be reintroduced to facilitate the retraining of educators and ensure they are appropriately placed in roles that align with their skills and competencies.
Moreover, professional development programs will be implemented in schools to establish a structured environment for ongoing teacher learning. These programs aim to instigate changes in classroom practices and drive improvements in learning outcomes.Top of FormBottom of Form
South African schools are grappling with high levels of violence, with 22% of learners reporting experiences of violence in schools. Media reports highlight instances of severe violence, including stabbings and suicides linked to bullying. The Intersectoral Committee on Child Justice Act’s annual report reveals that 7284 children were charged with criminal offenses, indicating a deterioration of moral behaviour among learners.
To address this, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is urged to strengthen the teaching of religious studies in schools, which could reinforce moral values and ethical conduct among learners. However, the incorporation of religious studies into the Life Orientation subject has significantly reduced the time allocated for religious studies.
6. TITLE DEEDS
ActionSA believes that we must secure property rights, which is essential for economic empowerment and dignity, particularly in a country like South Africa with historical inequalities. ActionSA’s commitment to addressing challenges related to title deeds reflects its vision for an inclusive and prosperous society.
Title deeds play a pivotal role in property ownership, legal clarity, and economic empowerment. In South Africa, where historical inequalities persist, ensuring that residents have secure property rights is essential. ActionSA’s policy intends to address this critical issue to prevent disputes and fraudulent transactions by establishing a clear record of who owns a piece of land or a house.
These title deeds are not mere documents; they represent dignity, security, and economic empowerment. ActionSA’s commitment to addressing title deed challenges reflects our vision for an inclusive and prosperous South Africa.
ActionSA believes that the fundamental challenges that constrain the Northern Cape and hinder the upliftment of communities throughout our province will persist as long as the Provincial Government lacks a comprehensive plan.
Northern Cape SoPA: No Hope For Progress Where No Concrete Plans Exist
On Thursday, February 29th, 2024, the Premier of the Northern Cape Province Dr Zamani Saul will be tabling the State of the Province Address (SOPA), to the people of the Northern Cape Province.
As ActionSA, we are conservatively optimistic whether anything new will emerge notwithstanding the rhetoric, academically researched speeches repeating itself. This Province deserves better and the only party that can present a watertight plan is ActionSA.
1. LOADSHEDDING
An ActionSA government will first and foremost keep the lights on. This starts by putting an end to the sole dependency on Eskom for our electricity by diversifying the province’s energy sources.
Despite a number of renewable energy projects being hosted so far, the Province’s economic landscape is yet to be transformed into a green economic hub.
We witness businesses impacted by loadshedding shutting down and other services adversely affected. South Africa is in critical need of new, cleaner, baseload power. ActionSA does not intend to wait on Eskom to switch on the lights.
We believe that the Northern Cape needs a renewable energy revolution as soon as yesterday. To prepare this province for the green economy, ActionSA will partner with world leaders and champions in this industry.
As Premier, I will explore options like that rolled out by the Feldheim municipality in Brandenburg and Ascha Municipality in Bavaria, Germany to pilot our green economy project. ActionSA will develop a model town in the Northern Cape that is 100% dependent on renewable energy.
ActionSA advocates for diversifying energy sources beyond the national grid, which involves promoting renewable energy (such as solar and wind) and exploring alternative technologies.
2. UNEMPLOYMENT
ActionSA will waste no time in calling for a Northern Cape Investment Summit to unlock foreign direct investment. According to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, the world receives 7% of its diamonds from the NC Province, and 13% of global demand on zinc and lead accordingly. This province is surrounded by a number of mining houses.
Therefore, ActionSA will focus on minerals beneficiation as a major job creator and enabler in the province. Our biggest drawback is that unemployment, especially among the youth is extremely high and needs to be addressed immediately.
ActionSA has it on good authority that the large mining houses are procuring R18 billion annually according to the Northern Cape Provincial Government. Therefore, procurement can also become one of the major drivers of job creation.
ActionSA’s goal is to develop iron ore, zinc, and manganese refineries in the Northern Cape, particularly in Postmansburg and surrounding areas. This area is currently the railway hub of Transnet and dispatches 200 wagon trains to Saldanha Bay daily for the export market.
3. Land Reform
Land reform in the Northern Cape Province is a complex challenge, owing to the historical injustices in land ownership and distribution. Balancing the needs of all stakeholders is crucial, especially considering South Africa’s high wealth inequality and Gini coefficient. Finding a solution that addresses historical imbalances while ensuring stability and economic viability is paramount.
Crucially, this is why ActionSA will implement policies that benefit the majority while respecting the rights of all citizens. Policy certainty is essential for investment, therefore ActionSA rejects land expropriation without compensation and prioritizes protecting property rights.
4. FARM KILLINGS
ActionSA is deeply concerned about the ongoing loss of lives among farmers and farm workers in the Northern Cape Province due to violent killings. These tragic incidents not only inflict profound suffering on individuals and families but also pose significant threats to food security, rural communities, and the agricultural sector as a whole.
It is crucial that thorough investigations are conducted, perpetrators are brought to justice, and comprehensive safety measures are implemented to effectively tackle these challenges and prevent additional loss of life.
ActionSA remains steadfast in its commitment to diversity and non-racialism. We unequivocally condemn all forms of crime and prioritize the restoration of the rule of law. Addressing farm murders is of utmost importance to us, and we are dedicated to taking decisive action in this regard.
5. EDUCATION
The Northern Cape is identified as the lowest-performing province in terms of matriculation results. This underscores the urgency for educational reform, which stands as a key priority for ActionSA.
ActionSA’s education policy places a strong emphasis on equitable access, quality teaching, and efficient allocation of resources. The overarching objective is to cultivate a more inclusive and effective educational landscape across the nation.
Our vision entails equipping individuals with the necessary skills for success, thereby ensuring that the education system not only imparts knowledge but also prepares students for practical life and active economic participation.
ActionSA advocates for an education system that prioritises the development of strong foundational skills in reading and numeracy, particularly with an emphasis on enhancing Reading for Meaning from the Early Childhood Development (ECD) phase onwards.
Under an ActionSA administration, Teacher Training Colleges will be reintroduced to facilitate the retraining of educators and ensure they are appropriately placed in roles that align with their skills and competencies.
Moreover, professional development programs will be implemented in schools to establish a structured environment for ongoing teacher learning. These programs aim to instigate changes in classroom practices and drive improvements in learning outcomes.Top of FormBottom of Form
South African schools are grappling with high levels of violence, with 22% of learners reporting experiences of violence in schools. Media reports highlight instances of severe violence, including stabbings and suicides linked to bullying. The Intersectoral Committee on Child Justice Act’s annual report reveals that 7284 children were charged with criminal offenses, indicating a deterioration of moral behaviour among learners.
To address this, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is urged to strengthen the teaching of religious studies in schools, which could reinforce moral values and ethical conduct among learners. However, the incorporation of religious studies into the Life Orientation subject has significantly reduced the time allocated for religious studies.
6. TITLE DEEDS
ActionSA believes that we must secure property rights, which is essential for economic empowerment and dignity, particularly in a country like South Africa with historical inequalities. ActionSA’s commitment to addressing challenges related to title deeds reflects its vision for an inclusive and prosperous society.
Title deeds play a pivotal role in property ownership, legal clarity, and economic empowerment. In South Africa, where historical inequalities persist, ensuring that residents have secure property rights is essential. ActionSA’s policy intends to address this critical issue to prevent disputes and fraudulent transactions by establishing a clear record of who owns a piece of land or a house.
These title deeds are not mere documents; they represent dignity, security, and economic empowerment. ActionSA’s commitment to addressing title deed challenges reflects our vision for an inclusive and prosperous South Africa.
ActionSA believes that the fundamental challenges that constrain the Northern Cape and hinder the upliftment of communities throughout our province will persist as long as the Provincial Government lacks a comprehensive plan.