Ni. i AFRICAN CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY MANIFESTO 2016 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION ACDP AFRICAN CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY I Introduction MANIFESTO 2016 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION 2 Service Delivery 2 Small Business Development and Poverty THE AFRICAN CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATIC PARTY (ACDP) is a political party based Alleviatm? on biblical principles. 3 Education 3 Access to Housing WE RECOGNISE that South Africa is at a criticaljuncture in its history with severe social, economic and political challenges. Our policies aim to build social cohesion, address poor governance at local level, create an environment 5 conducwe to JOI) creatIon and poverty alleVIatIon, restore Intengty and Investor 5 Rural and Agricultural con?dence, and protect and strengthen communItIes. Development 4 Access to Health 6 Community Safety WE HAVE A VISION for a strong, healthy and prosperous nation. We are committed to seeing genuine change and renewal in our country that is modelled on value-based norms such as integrity, justice, honesty and respect. WE WANT TO FOSTER a spirit of true reconciliation and inclusivity, where respect for God and for one another becomes the hallmark of South Africa's legacy. WE ARE COMMITTED to providing reliable, trustworthy councillors who are passionate about addressing the needs and improving the lives of people in their respective municipalities. 1 1 Introduction 2 Service Delivery 2 Small Business Development and Poverty Alleviation 3 Education 3 Access to Housing 4 Access to Health 5 Transport and Infrastructure 5 Rural and Agricultural Development 6 Community Safety 2 STAND MAKE A DIFFERENCE The ACDP will: Provide financial assistance and other support, where feasible, to locally-owned spaza shops in townships and rural areas to assist them to enter the mainstream economy; Ensure that there is fair and equal access to markets for local owners who compete with increasing numbers of foreign-owned businesses; Enact and enforce by-laws to ensure that no trader sleeps or stays in food stores as this unhygienic practice exposes people to possible health risks and diseases; Employ more health inspectors to monitor small businesses trading in food to ensure that they operate in accordance with food safety and hygiene regulations; Provide skills training and mentorship programmes to aspiring local entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on empowering women and youth; and Ensure that no non-funded local spaza shop owner loses business to subsidised foreign traders. EDUCATION Although schools are a national and provincial competence, the ACDP will support local schools in their efforts to raise the standard of education. The ACDP will: Prioritise basic skills of reading, writing and numeracy, and attract and retain skilled and experienced teachers through better remuneration, working conditions and career opportunities; Support increased municipal sport and recreation budgets for additional sporting facilities, activities, and professional coaching in under-privileged communities; and Promote greater partnership between parents, schools and the broader community, to provide schools with additional resources. ACCESS TO HOUSING The ACDP is committed to extending property ownership to as many citizens as possible. We will ensure that people have more decision-making power in the acquisition of their homes and the development of their communities. Services providing electricity, clean water and sanitation to homes will be prioritised along with other measures to ensure a healthy environment for people to live in. Introduction Service Delivery Small Business Development and Poverty Alleviation Education Access to Housing Access to Health Transport and Infrastructure Rural and Agricultural Development Community Safety STAND MAKE A DIFFERENCE The ACDP will: Promote the development of affordable housing through the provision of community-owned self-help schemes; Provide better-quality housing more efficiently through the use of cost-effective technology; Urgently review the data-base of persons on waiting lists for housing, and publish the lists; Ensure newly built homes are properly inspected and that contractors are held accountable for poor workmanship, including blacklisting repeat offenders; Ensure that parks, libraries, playgrounds and other facilities are safe, accessible and well-maintained; and See that infrastructure such as sewerage treatment plants and land-fill sites Introduction Service Delivery Small Business Development and Poverty Alleviation Education Access to Housing Access to Health Transport and Infrastructure keep pace with housing developments to prevent pollution and unhygienic living conditions 5 Rural and Agricultural Development 6 Community Safety ACCESS TO HEALTH At the heart of the ACDP is a firm belief in the dignity and value of each person, from conception to death. We are therefore committed to improving access to health and social care services. The ACDP will: Ensure that municipal clinics are ?elderly, child and baby friendly', well stocked, expertly staffed and service oriented; Facilitate the provision of accessible transport for those who need regular treatment; Support community initiatives to help prevent teen pregnancy and provide assistance foryoung mothers-to-be; Ensure pregnant women are fully informed regarding the child they are carrying, the risks of abortion and the options available to them; Introduce drug and alcohol out-patient treatment centres at municipal clinics, and partnerwith private treatment centres and Raise awareness in communities around the benefits of personal hygiene and healthy living; and Improve home-based care programmes with a particular emphasis on the elderly and those affected by and Tuberculosis; 4 STAND MAKE A DIFFERENCE TRANSPORT AN IN FRASTRUCTU RE Rising costs and inefficiencies in the transport system place workers under enormous stress and affects productivity and family life. The ACDP will: Ensure accountability and performance standards that will result in safe, reliable and affordable integrated public transport services; Improve access by emergency vehicles in informal settlements; Spread the cost of road construction and maintenance in urban areas by replacing toll roads with an increase in the fuel levy; Work with the local taxi industry in order for the public and the taxi industry to realise the benefits of a fully integrated transport system; Prioritise delivery of safe, reliable and affordable bus and rail network services in rural areas; and Encourage the use of alternative transport to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and encourage healthy lifestyles, by introducing a network of cycle lanes, lock-up facilities and parking bays. RURAL AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT The rural areas are the heartland of our nation, yet these are the most under-funded and neglected areas of the country. The ACDP will: Promote agricultural development by protecting and supporting farmers (including small, subsistence and emerging farmers) to provide employment and ensure food security; Focus on developing rural towns through promoting small businesses and tourism; Encourage the sharing of qualified municipal employees and administrative systems to assist dysfunctional rural municipalities; and Encourage alternative energy and rainwater harvesting initiatives in rural communities and fast-track basic services to these areas. Introduction Service Delivery Small Business Development and Poverty Alleviation Education Access to Housing Access to Health Transport and Infrastructure Rural and Agricultural Development Community Safety STAND MAKE A DIFFERENCE COMMUNITY SAFETY The primary role of government is to protect its citizens. The ACDP is committed to ensuring our communities are safe and secure. The ACDP will: Strengthen law enforcement by increasing police visibility and conducting more road blocks, stop and search operations and random drug and alcohol testing of drivers; Support and assist communities in their struggle against gangsterism and substance (drug/alcohol) abuse by inter alia successfully arresting and prosecuting more drug lords and drug dealers, shutting down 'drug dens? and illegal shebeens; Encourage and support community structures such as police forums and trauma services; and Support the establishment of trauma centres and safe havens in municipalities. The ACDP is committed to implement these policies to ensure a safe, healthy and prosperous nation. Let's stand together and make a difference! THE ACDP STANDS FOR freedom of religion, 3 free market economy with a social conscience, family values, community empowerment and human rights in a federal system. Introduction Service Delivery Small Business Development and Poverty Alleviation Education Access to Housing Access to Health Transport and Infrastructure Rural and Agricultural Development Community Safety