Decent housing and rural development are among the United Democratic Movement’s promises to voters, contained in its 2016 local government elections manifesto.
Bantu Holomisa, who was re-elected party leader at an elective congress over the weekend, said it was up to voters to set the agenda for the elections.
“You have the power to say what are the real priorities; as opposed to the elite projects (such as speed trains, automated tolling, etc) which contribute nothing to your life and only enrich the politically connected,” he wrote in the manifesto.
From safer roads to standardised property rates, the party’s list of promises was similar to those for the 2014 national elections. It would make provision of adequate housing a priority in those councils where it governed, improve rural development, and promote green living.
The UDM, whose largest following is in the Eastern Cape, pledged to include traditional leaders in decision-making. The demarcation of wards was one of the ways used to sideline these leaders.
“Traditional leaders are extorted to support the ruling party or else their communities are not provided with services.”
Thulani Gqirana, News24
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