The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), led by Reverend Kenneth Meshoe, launched its 2021 Local Government Elections manifesto at Newtown, Johannesburg, on Saturday, October 02, 2021.
The party’s manifesto is divided into two sections – one which focuses on service delivery and issues of local government and another which focuses solely on lifting some COVID-19 regulations.
In the 2016 LGE, the ACDP mustered 0.42% of all votes, which gained the party 22 council seats nationwide.
ACDP’s 2021 Manifesto Priorities:
Effective service delivery
The party said it would appoint ethical, accountable, and skilled municipal managers and staff, regardless of their race, sex, age, or religion; and give priority in municipal budgets to basic service delivery by prioritizing the maintenance and upgrading of water, sewerage, road, and electricity infrastructure.
Reliable energy supply
The ACDP pledges to amend the regulatory environment to allow independent developers to set up power plants up to 100 megawatts and allow municipalities that are in good financial standing to generate and purchase power from independent power producers.
Business development and job creation
The party said it would ensure that there is fair and equal access to markets for local owners who compete with an “increasing number of foreign-owned businesses”.
Housing and health
The party pledged to award title deeds to qualifying residents of municipal-owned housing units and improve the quality of service at municipal clinics.
Infrastructure and rural development
The party said it would oppose the Gauteng e-toll system and will scrap toll fees and parking fees for bicycles and motorcycles. It said it would also oppose the expropriation of land without compensation and advance land reform and development.
Defending ‘Rights and Freedoms’ from some COVID-19 regulations
The party placed a significant amount on regulations and restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. While it agreed that certain regulations and protocols should have been in place to help mitigate risk, there are some it believed to be “irrational, excessive or unnecessary”.
- The party promoted ivermectin as a “safe, affordable and effective treatment” for COVID-19.
- The party said it opposes any attempt to force COVID-19 vaccinations upon citizens, or to limit the movement and capabilities (attending work, school or public spaces) of those who choose not to take the vaccine.
- The party has called for all Adverse Events Reporting Systems to publicise any and all side effects experienced after receiving a vaccination.
- The party said it would fight for churches to open to 100% capacity and remain that way.
- The ACDP opposes vaccine passports.
VIDEO: SABC News’ Political Editor Mzawandile Mbeje in Conversation with ACDP leader Kenneth Meshoe:
Read the full ACDP 2021 Local Government Elections Manifesto:
-Compiled by Amil Umraw, SABC Specialist Researcher
-Source – ACDP Manifesto
