Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Roy Jankielsohn MPL and Sesotho soundbite by Jafta Mokoena MPL
The DA is the only party in the Free State with a tangible plan to ease the dependence that approximately one million people have on social grants in the province.
While social grants remain an irreplaceable safety net for the most vulnerable residents in the province, the reality is that most people, if given the choice, would choose the dignity of earning an income. The DA has policies that have been tested in government to protect these grants while simultaneously stimulating the economy to give people the choice of earning an income.
Having too many people dependent on social grants means that with the shrinking economy and increasing cost of living, government will eventually not be able to maintain the demand. In 2023, the Free State had a shrinking tax base of only 231 406 registered taxpayers out of a population of 2,9 million people. The only solution is to give residents who are willing and able to work the opportunity to do so and contribute to the tax base.
The real threat to the sustainability of social grants is an ANC-run government that continues to loot taxpayer funds and implement investment-curtailing policies. The ANC remains the enemy of job-creating economic growth and real opportunities.
On the 29 May, residents must vote for a DA government that will ensure funds are utilised transparently and efficiently to protect welfare programmes while implementing policies that will stimulate economic growth and create jobs.