Economic transformation under good governance a change worth striving for

The following is an extract from a speech delivered this afternoon by DA NMB Mayoral Candidate, Athol Trollip, at the University of Fort Hare during a lecture on economic transformation:

The legacy of our past, where so much opportunity depends on ones’ race today, must be actively reversed through strong, committed leadership, efficient policy implementation and society working together not working apart .

Our democracy is such that it provides a space in which government can, if it chooses, proactively develop and drive social and economic growth, to the benefit of the people. A DA government is the best opportunity to do this, and we are committed to bringing this change to Nelson Mandela Bay after this year’s election.

The DA record on economic transformation in government is encouraging. Under the DA the most jobs are created for more poor South Africans to work, electricity and water are provided to the most poor households in all of South Africa, and opportunities to get government tenders and government work for black-owned firms is extremely high.

Since the DA took over the Western Cape, 220 000 new jobs have been created, driving unemployment down to the lowest of any province. 92% of all audits have been clean, meaning that money is being spent correctly, directly benefiting the most vulnerable residents. All the while spending three quarters of all public money on poor and impoverished communities.

Commitment to economic transformation is a priority for the DA in government, with 80% of tenders over R100 000 going to black-owned firms in 2013/2014 under DA governance. This progressive governance empowers previously disadvantaged South Africans on an ongoing basis and is a sign of the DA’s commitment to redress. We want to do the same in more and more places after this election.

For too long, we have seen ANC-led governments make and break promises which end up costing the poorest in society their chances to get ahead – this means that the majority of black South Africans are left behind time and time again by the ANC governments’ broken promises.

This upcoming weekend, the 5th and 6th March 2016, we have an opportunity to register to vote for change in municipalities across our country. A recent study by Good Governance Africa shows that 9 out of the 10 best-run municipalities in South Africa are DA-led with DA Mayors, while 10 out of the 10 worst-run municipalities are governed by the ANC.

This record of delivery can be replicated elsewhere across South Africa and your vote will be the catalyst, bringing delivery but also bringing economic transformation.

People have a better chance of getting ahead in life if government works to improve their lives through smart, accountable governance that delivers quality education and services, cuts corruption and creates jobs.