Professor Steven Friedman says across the board political manifestos are usually quite unrealistic documents.
Speaking on SAfm AM Live, Friedman said: “All political parties continue to promise things which are simply not possible, like the six million jobs.”
Over the weekend different political parties launched their manifestos. In its manifesto, the Democratic Alliance (DA) promises to address jobs, education, corruption and equal education, party leader Helen Zille said on Sunday.
“The manifesto we release today is a ‘manifesto for jobs… Job creation is only possible if we cut corruption,” Zille said in a speech prepared for delivery at the launch of the DA’s 2014 election manifesto in Polokwane, Limpopo.
“Jobs are possible. Six million real and permanent jobs are within our grasp if we seize the moment at this election… We will stop politicians and their families doing business with government.”
The ACDP also launched its election manifesto in Soweto on Saturday
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema, made a number of promises to thousands of his supporters at Mehlareng Stadium in Tembisa on Gauteng’s East Rand on Saturday.
However, according to Professor Friedman, the EFF is not going to be in government therefore they can make any promises because they won’t be called to implement those things.
Some of those promises are a minimum wage of R4 000 a month for all South African workers, with higher figures for several sectors. He said if elected, the EFF would expropriate land without compensation, nationalise 60% of the country’s mines and banks, and take over all big retail stores.
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) also launched its election manifesto in Soweto on Saturday. One of the things party leader Kenneth Meshoe mentioned was a coalition government after May 7 elections.
Commenting on ACDP manifesto, Professor Friedman says he doesn’t see a coalition government happening anytime soon and that it might only happen in 2019.-Edited by Sthembiso Sithole.
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