DA unveils six-point plan to “turbocharge” economy, fix municipalities

By Akani Nkuna

The Democratic Alliance’s new economic plan calls for urgent reforms to fix dysfunctional municipalities and stabilise government coalitions. The party’s plan said this could be achieved by setting electoral seat thresholds and reducing the frequency of motions of no confidence without valid reasons.

The party further said that this would prevent the revolving door of mayors such as seen Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and City of Tshwane.

It also added that local government must be professionalised through the appointment of public servants based on merit and qualification, with zero tolerance for cadre deployment, and providing access to upskilling programmes for councillors, staff and communities must be a priority to enhance governing capacity.

Party leader John Steenhuisen unveiled the plan on Monday, saying the DA would pressure the African National Congress to accept the proposed reforms and dismantle legislative barriers, including the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, the Employment Equity