by Jane Sithole – DA Mpumalanga Premier Candidate
Yesterday, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga, accompanied by Team One South Africa Spokesperson on Access to Jobs, Geordin Hill-Lewis, visited a number of communities in Dipaleseng Local Municipality and although we were saddened by the high levels of poverty and unemployment, we were encouraged by the fact that the people of Dipaleseng are ready for change.
Residents of Dipaleseng have suffered the consequences of an uncaring ANC-led government for far too long as under the premiership of David Mabuza, there was very little development and existing infrastructure was left to rot. In fact, this municipality is littered with projects that would have created jobs for the community but were simply abandoned primarily due to corruption.
During a public meeting we were saddened to learn that many young people had given up on finding employment as their efforts were being exploited by unscrupulous employers who demand bribes or sex in exchange for the promise of employment.
Unlike the failing ANC, the DA has a proven track record of growing the economy, attracting investment, clean governance and most important job creation that all South Africans can access.
Under a DA-led government, the people of Dipaleseng will benefit from job creation initiatives such as the following;
- The introduction of a Voluntary National Service – one year of income and skills development for school leavers.
- Creation of job centres that provide information, advice and free internet to job-seekers.
- Growing small business opportunities through increased funding assistance and removing blockage and red-tape
- Prosecution and elimination of the practice of “sex for jobs” and carpet interviews.
- Prosecution and elimination of the practice of “cash for jobs” and corruption in allocating jobs.
The DA is committed to building One South Africa For All, where every citizen is protected from exploitation and is guaranteed fair access to jobs.
We are working to ensure there that there is at least one real long-term job in every home.