Printed here are major excerpts from the election manifesto of the African National Congress for South Africa's first democratic election.
On 27 April, for the first time in our history, all of us will stand tall and proud as equal citizens in our common home.
To eradicate the serious problems caused by apartheid, South Africa needs a government with the political will to meet the challenge. We need a government that puts people first.
Our program reflects years of people's struggles and is informed by their aspirations.
To build a better life for all requires clear goals and a workable plan. Any solution to the crisis of apartheid requires:
- a democratic society based on equality, non-racialism and non-sexism;
- a nation built by developing our different cultures, beliefs and languages as a source of our common strength;
- an economy which grows through providing jobs, housing and education;
- a peaceful and secure environment in which people can live without fear.
In developing our policies over the years, we have consulted widely, most recently in People's Forums. We have also discussed with role players in the economy, education and other areas.
We are aware that eliminating the mess created over decades by the National Party will not be easy. But we know that you can make a difference. If we all work together, we are capable of achieving even more.
A government of the people
One of the most urgent challenges facing South Africa is the adoption of a new democratic constitution. In the Constitutional Assembly, whatever our majority, the ANC will strive through consultation and debate to reach national consensus.
The ANC has always stood for basic democratic principles which include:
- a constitution and Bill of Rights which guarantee human rights for all, including the right to a minimum standard of life;
- the right of all people to elect a government of their choice in regular, free and fair elections in a multiparty democracy;
- democratic government at provincial and local levels, with the powers and resources to meet people's needs;
- an independent judiciary and constitutional court protected from any government or party political interference;
- freedom from discrimination on racial, gender or any other ground;
- freedom of association and the right to worship.
People must be free to express their views without fear, including criticising the government of the day. Freedom of the media will be essential for a flourishing of democracy.
Government administration exists to serve the people. It must be answerable to them. The ANC will encourage private citizens to use the independent Public Protector to investigate corruption, dishonesty or violation of rules of conduct on the part of government officials — those found guilty will be dealt with. Forums representing government and workers, business, education and other groups will be strengthened to help in policy formulation. In government, the ANC will continue the tradition of People's Forums — meetings in which ordinary people can voice their opinions.
Democracy must be measured by the quality of life of ordinary people. It means giving all South Africans the opportunity to share in the country's wealth, to contribute to its development and to improve their own lives.
The millions of people without jobs will be at the top of the ANC government's agenda.
As a legitimate government, the ANC will be able to work with others to create an environment of peace and stability, boosting investor confidence.
A new trade and industry policy will focus mainly on job creation, strengthening our manufacturing capacity and industries that export goods.
Our economic programs will take into account the need for sustainable development which does not destroy our natural resources. Tighter controls will be introduced to preserve our environment for future generations.
An ANC government will immediately start a national public works program which will address community needs and create jobs. Through this program alone we will aim to provide employment and training for about 2.5 million people over the next ten years, building roads and providing water, electricity, schools, clinics, housing and meeting other needs.
Workers' rights
The ANC is committed to full rights for all workers in both public and private sectors, including domestic and farm workers, to organise, bargain collectively and be represented by trade unions. The democratic government will:
- outlaw all discrimination;
- protect and extend hard-won employment standards, maternity and child-care rights;
- introduce Adult Basic Education and more opportunities for specialised training for workers and the unemployed, especially youth and women;
- promote centralised bargaining and strong trade unions;
- guarantee the right to strike;
- raise and enforce standards of health and safety.
An ANC government will ensure that South Africa has an efficient tax system. The income that ordinary people earn will not be lost through unfair taxes. We will:
- end [value added tax] on basic foods like flour, milk and sugar;
- reduce income taxes on people earning under R4000 a month;
- end unfair taxation of women, married and single;
- ensure through efficient collection that every business pays its fair share.
Rural poverty
An ANC government will introduce a rural development program. Central will be job creation through industrial development and opportunities for small business, alongside land reform. We will focus on provision of water, clinics, schools, toilet facilities, electricity, telephones and roads.
An ANC government will:
- guarantee women equal rights to land and special assistance;
- assist small farmers to get access to training, credit and markets;
- encourage large-scale farming, and ensure security of tenure and all basic rights for farm workers;
- restructure development agencies and marketing boards to serve the farmers and consumers;
- guarantee victims of forced removals restitution, which should be carried out fairly through a Land Claims Court;
- use state land in the implementation of land reform.
Learning
An ANC government will make education a priority.
Emphasis will be placed on teacher training and upgrading and improving their conditions of service. Above all, we will encourage a culture of learning and teaching, and introduce a new curriculum which promotes both technical quality and humane ideals.
An ANC government will:
- introduce one education system that provides ten years of free and compulsory education for all children;
- provide more classrooms and repair and modernise inadequate facilities;
- allow mother-tongue instruction and education in the language of choice;
- provide a national bursary and loan system;
- provide adult literacy programs;
- assist youths who have not been able to complete their education;
- focus on ways of providing pre-school educare;
- give special assistance to women.
Housing
A roof over one's head and reasonable living conditions are a basic right for every human being.
We will focus on the 7 million squatters and the homeless, and the upgrading of townships. We will upgrade hostels to meet the needs of the residents as part of a program to eliminate the apartheid migrant labour system. The ANC will work with building societies and other banks and financial institutions to ensure that people have the loans and means to build their own houses.
Housing plans will take into account the need for people to stay close to where they work and the need to build efficient transport systems and to provide recreational and other basic facilities.
We have calculated that, within five years, the new government can:
- build one million homes;
- provide running water and flush toilets to over a million families;
- electrify 2.5 million rural and urban homes.
Affirmative action
Opportunities must be opened to all who were discriminated against as Africans, Coloureds and Indians, as women, the disabled and as people staying in rural areas.
This will not be done at the expense of others, nor lead to a lowering of standards. Special emphasis will be placed on their training and upgrading so they can rise to higher levels in business, civil service, skilled jobs and other areas.
By putting people first, we will be investing in jobs, housing and education at the same time as helping our country grow.
An ANC government will increase public expenditure and encourage the private sector to put money in productive ventures. We will establish a reconstruction fund and seek beneficial international aid and loans.
Our objective is to use resources more efficiently and not to increase the tax burden. Money has been used on a racial basis and squandered in corruption and bureaucracy. This will be done away with.
Peace and security
Our country needs peace. We need an end to the violence against communities and to the abuse of women and children. We must end the culture of violence created by apartheid.
What is required is:
- a government that represents all the people and implements a program to create jobs;
- a government committed to dealing firmly with violence and crime and one that does not simply point fingers;
- a program to promote political tolerance, respect for the country's constitution and laws, and peaceful ways of handling political differences;
- a gun control program to minimise the number of guns in the hands of individuals and to eliminate gun smuggling;
- a police force accountable to the communities in which it is based;
- a program which emphasises rehabilitation instead of vengeance.
All security forces will be reformed to reflect the national and gender character of our country. They will be non-partisan, professional, uphold the constitution and respect human rights.
Criminal behaviour in these forces will not be tolerated.
Our place in the world
South Africa will play its part in the worldwide campaign for democracy, human rights, peace and nuclear disarmament. It will accede to all international agreements which protect human rights.
An ANC government will work for just economic and social relations between the developed industrial nations and the developing countries.
An ANC government will build closer cooperation and economic integration in the region. We will take active part in the Southern African Development Conference and other regional institutions on the basis of equality.
A pledge
The ANC believes that the plan will succeed only if it is based on the active participation of all, a tradition we will carry into government. Together as South Africans — men and women of all colours, young and old, urban and rural — we have the power to build a better life for all.
Now is the time!
God bless South Africa!