Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
25 March 2024 | 15:30 CAT
2 min read

As the countdown to the elections accelerates, parties strive to make their final appeals to the electorate. ActionSA is among the last to unveil its manifesto, having launched its campaign in Johannesburg over the weekend. Party leader Herman Mashaba addressed a gathering of supporters, outlining key policies, including a proposed ‘basic income stimulus’, reassuring citizens that social grants would not be eliminated.

Speaking to Radio Islam, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said: “We feel that what the ANC has done has made people permanently dependent on government, which is unacceptable. Let’s allow the private sector to invest in our country, both local businesses and international government, then come out with a stimulus programme to continue for 3 years without giving people R270 rands a month; you cannot survive on this a day. This stimulus will assist the people in ensuring that they can survive on a short-term basis. And for people to survive in the first year, give them something like R553, then increase the amount over the next 2 years to align with the economy.”

This opportunity fund must continue for 30 years because it can’t be something that is there forever.

Mashaba emphasised that this opportunity fund should be sustained for a duration of 30 years, as it is not meant to be a permanent fixture.

He emphasised the necessity for people to take a tough stance against criminal elements to prevent South Africa from retaining its status as the murder capital of the world. Additionally, he advocated for the closing of borders.

According to Mashaba, once employment opportunities are created for individuals, they can gradually be weaned off social grants. He said that ActionSA pledges to be judged based on the number of individuals who transition from social grants or stimulus programs to employment annually. He also highlighted that it’s concerning that 13 and 14-year-old children are compelled to seek grants due to parenthood. “Children making children when they are supposed to be in school, not relying on grants,” he added.

Mashaba stated that this nation has stepped into an era of coalitions, whether it is welcomed or not. “But we will ensure that our party emerges as the biggest party in the coalition because we have experience working with partners in business. I ran the most stable coalition as Mayor of Johannesburg,” he said.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Junaid Kharsany and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, here.